REALITY OF SPIRITUALISM.

Southland Times, Issue 20539, 16 July 1928, Page 3

REALITY OF SPIRITUALISM.

To the Editor. Sir, My attention has been drawn to a lecture on “Insanity” delivered recently by Mr A. G. Butchers. It is surprising that a man of the apparent attainment of this gentleman should be so ignorant as to attribute telepathy, automatic-writing and other phases of spiritualism to persons suffering from a disordered brain. The trouble with some scientists is that they become so obsessed with their own particular theories that when they approach other questions they speak with a cock-sureness and levity ill-becoming intelligent reasoning persons. As regards spiritualism, it is altogethei too late in the day for thinking people to pooh-pooh the truth behind its phenomena. Eminent scientists who have taken the trouble to personally study the subject have given to the world the results of their in vestigations, in which proof after proof is given that spiritualism is a stern reality, and a knowledge of it of the utmost importance to mankind. I would advise Mr Butchers to procure and read Flammarion’s works, and those of Sir William Crookes, Alfred Russell Wallace, Sir Oliver Lodge, Richett, Dr. Geely and others which could be mentioned. All these are men of ability and standing whose statements would be received with, at least, respect by all intelligent people. It would also do Mr Butchers good, and your readers as well, to read in the Harbinger of Light the report of a crowded spiritualist meeting held recently in London, where the speakers included Sir Frederick Benson, the famous Shakespearean actor, Mr Shaw Desmond and Mr Hugh Walpole, both well-known writers; Dr. Neville Whymont, said to be one of the greatest oriental scholars in the world, a man with a knowledge of 30 languages, and Mr E. P. Hewitt, K.C., a prominent London barrister. The meeting referred to was held in the Queen’s Hall, one of the largest in London, and such was the interest shown that over 1,000 people had to be turned ayvay from the doors. Spiritualism is a vital force in England, though out here it has not yet come into its own.—l am, etc., J. A. FORBES. Oamaru, July 11, 1928.