A TOHUNGA FINED.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15000, 22 February 1919, Page 4

A TOHUNGA FINED.

(United Press Association.]

Gisborne, Feb. 21. A sequel to the outbreak of influenza at Te Reinga pa was heard at the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Aiaturu, or the pa,- was charged tliat on January 14th he attempted to mislead Natives by pretending to possess supernatural power in the treatment and cure of disease. A witness gave evidence regarding prayers by the defendant. Constable Maioney put in a signed statement by the defendant which said: I am a tohunga. I do not cure by medicine. I just drive the taipo or devil out of the body. I drive evil spirits put of sick people. I rub my hand on the bad place, and the badness goes away. I knew sickness was coino- to break out. There is another fever com>ng. The Magistrate said the - defendant aaust have known lie was 'talking nonsense. The defendant was convicted md ordered to pay costs, £17 8s 3d > he Magistrate declined to allow the expenses of Native witnesses whose eviience conflicted with the statements of :he police, holding that tlio y were not' mtitled to consideration. He asked the jress to give publicity to this point, so ;hat others disposed to act similarly night understand the position taken up >y the bench m snoli r>no Q£ . *