TOHUNGAISM AND INFLUENZA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11761, 22 February 1919, Page 5

TOHUNGAISM AND INFLUENZA.

(Par Press AasoniatJ.caO Gisborne, February 21. The sequel to the outbreak of influenza in the Te Reinga pah was heard in the Magistrate’s Court, when Maturu, of the pah, waa charged that on January 14th he attempted to mislead the natives by pretending to possess supernatural powers in the treatment and cure of the disease. Witnesses gave evidence regarding the prayers by the accused, and Constable Maloney put in a signed statement by the accused, which said “I am a Tobunga. 1 do not cure by medicine, I just drive the taipo or devil out of the body. I drive the evil spirit from sick people by robbing my hands on the bad place and the badness goes away. I knew the sickness was goiug to break out. There is another fever coming. ’ ’ The Magistrate said the accused must have known he was talking nonsense. The accused was warned and convicted and ordered to pay costs totalling £l7 8s 3d. The Magistrate declined to allow expenses to the native wi*nesses whose evidences conflicted with the statement of the police, holding that they were not entitled to He asked the Press to give publicity to this point so that nthers disposed to act similarly would understand the position of the Bench in such cases.