TOHUNGAISM..

Otago Witness, Issue 2654, 25 January 1905, Page 18

TOHUNGAISM..

DEGRADING PR'JCEEDINGS BY MAORIS.

' AUCKLAND, January 19. A writer, signing himself "W. 8.," o? Te Kuiti, has sent the following statement to the New Zealand Herald: — Dr Pomares's strictures otk tohungaism are> unerringly correct. All wiio saw what I did on Monday last will 'heartily confirm, them. From casual inquiries I find that a. young woman, believing that the makutit spell had been laid upon her, came in to consult a noted tohungaess to have the malison removed, but recrimination ensuing the interview ended in the afflicted one fiercely attacking her dinner and becoming insane* Insanity then spread to the' remainder of the family of four, including thefather and the son-in-law. The youngwoman was arrested by the local constahle---'and deported to an asylum. The scene at the Native village jainong her own people was beyond description — a horrible exhibition, of degraded superstition, accentuated by insanity or its make-believe. Clothes were- burnt and planted in the earth and otherwise destroyed. Then the Natives strutted about nake-d, and howled incantations, and rail amok, attacking both; friends and imaginary foes. Then they re' clothed themselves in women's garm&nts and quoted Scripture until some neighbouring relations pacified them.

Mr Holmes remarked at the Benevolent Society meeting at Masterton a few days ago that the fact that no demands had been made- on the society during the month fc-r casual relief was a sign of general prosperity in the community. For several months the amount of casual relief granted has been less than for many years past. There was before the Timaru Court on Tuesday a man charged with having failed to provide towards the maintenance of his wife, as ordered at Ashburfcon on June 7, 1900. The sum to be weekly paid was £1, and there was outstanding £196 10s. This sum was exclusive of the amount wiped off by defendant's going to gaol. In all- 30s only had been paid by accused since the order came into force.