“INQUEST ON THE DEVIL.”

Temuka Leader, Issue 1523, 24 June 1886, Page 3

“INQUEST ON THE DEVIL.”

A telegram from Adelaide states that the vagaries of the Salvation Army at Lindmoss are becoming notorious. About two years ego s zealous “Captain,” stationed at Brompton barracks, gained for himself the name of “ the donkey rider,” because he burlesqued Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, by attempting to ride a stubborn donkey at the bead of a monster Salvation Army procession. On Thursday evening this was outrivalled by a mock trial being held in the same barracks, which was absurdly called “ an inquest on the devil.” The Court was conducted in the orthodox manner, and counsel addressed the Judge for and against the defendant. The devil was charged, first, with “sowing seed by the wayside;” second, with causing thorns to choke the seed ; third, with causing drunkenness ; and fourth, with hardening the heart. Witnesses g>'ve evidence that although his Satanic Majesty was not seen in person in the dock, one witness had seen him some time ago in his domicile dressed in black clothes with a belltopper on his head. The Judge, Captain Laurehson, summed up against the devil, and pronounced him guilty, but he stated nevertheless that ha was still alive. The verdict of the jury was not asked for, but “ his son ” made an earnest appeal to those present to fight against the devil, whom they had pronounced guilty of the charge laid against him, There was a large attendance, and it is almost needless to say there was much interruption, policemen having to be called in. Ihe enquiry lasted about an hour and a-half.