A MAGNETIC HEALER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22904, 11 June 1936, Page 11

A MAGNETIC HEALER

WARNING BY MAGISTRATE

FINE OF £3O IMPOSED (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON. June 10. Stated to have been convicted and fined £l5O in 191 G for false pretences in connection with herbs, Joseph Ishcrwood, aped 50, who recently came back to New Zealand and described himself as a magnetic healer and herbalist, was fined £3O to-day on fortune-telling charges. The magistrate warned him to confine himself to lecturing and keep within the law. for if he were convicted again he would be sent to gaol. Detective-sergeant Revell, giving evidence, said the accused came to New Zealand in January. 1030, and advertised his presence by notices in the newspapers and engaged a suite of rooms. He had conducted semi-private and private meetings and also had been holding public meetings in various parts of the city. On the bight of May 31, Detective Revell said, he -attended a lecture given by the accused. There were between 200 and 300 persons present. The accused informed the audience that he was in direct communication with the spirits, who would deliver a lecture through him. Ho then went into a trance and delivered a lecture on “The Reyotid,” Admission was hv means of a collection at the door, which was attended to hv the accused's ladv secretary. During the evening the accused answered numerous questions, some being about relatives wlio had died. He would explain that ho was in touch with the deceased, who was sending a reply to (lie message, and ho invariable .cave the reply in a suitable verse of poetry. Several questions were asked by people who wanted to know whether ccr-

tain businebi- ventures would be successful or not. or about the proposed purchase of property. In each case he told them what he thought about the propositions, He also advised several people to see him privately. The accused had told him that only opinions were expressed, but from observations witness was satisfied that every question answered on the nicrlit of May Si with the exception of those relating to deceased persons amounted to foretelling future events. Addressing He court. Detective Revcll said that in view of complaints made to the Police Department arrangements had been made for a number of members of the force to visit the rooms of the accused. The accused he'd himself out as a herbalist, and had issued a notice with tiic following statement in it;—“J. Tsherwood, herbalist, specialises in the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, insomnia, piles, nervous debility, amentia, kidney and stomach trouble, and feminine weaknesses. Over 1000 different herbs in stock. Special herbs for rejuvenation from India.” In one case at least of the persons going to see him an objectionable feature had been that he handled the patient as only a medical practitioner was entitled to do. He had charged private visitors lOs 6d and ss, and 2s Gil and 2s for semiprivate parties. Counsel for the accused said the accused pleaded guilty to the five charges. He had been carrying on in a similar manner in other countries, and so far as the lectures were concerned they had been considered unobjectionable.

The magistrate said that men of the

stamp of ti 10 accused had a "real influence with the female sex. and the community had to be protected from their impositions. A fine would be inflicted that would make the accused remember that he must keep within the bounds of the Jaw.