HEALING THE SICK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16902, 29 November 1922, Page 6

HEALING THE SICK.

J. M. HICKSON'S MISSION. EXTRAORDINARY SCENES IN SOUTH AFRICA. Mr James Moore Hickson, the. Eng lish healer, is on his way to New Zealand. As was the case with the Maori healer, Katana, public interest has been deeply stirred over the approaching visit of Mr Hickson, whose work among the sick has been mentioned on several occasions. Late issues of “ The Healer.” published by Mr Hickson contain interesting references to his healing mission in the small Hampshire village of Shedfield. “There is no doubt that during these services a feeling of deep peace is present, and this increase as the service proceeds.” says the publication. “ There seems no nervousness cr anxiety in the minds of the invalids, and the writer noticed the happy untroubled looks on the faces of those going up to the altar rails to receive the laying-on of hands. There was a boy in a spinal chair, paralysed since diphtheria. . . h© seemed absorbed in the serveice, and when he received the laying-on of hands one felt that he was ready. As he left tho church he said ‘ I think the minister has done me good.’ The next morning the matron of the csurralesoent home saw him walking across the. garden with another boy. He bail been quite powerless in the legs and unable to stand. . . He improved daily, had no relapse, and is now at his home again, perfectly well and strong.” The ionrnev of Mr Hickson through South Africa has been a remarkable cue. According to 44 The Healer ” extraordinaorv scenes were witnessed in Cape Town. The Cathedral was crowded with sick, maimed and diseased long before the hour of Mr Hickson’s arrival. Poverty-stricken people were there in plenty, herding themselves with that pathetic helplessness of the poor, but there were also many wealthy and well-dressed people, several of whom came in motor-cars with tlneir friends. The article continues: “Mr Hickson warned his listeners not to expect too much. There would he nothing spectacular in the mission. Tn New York a woman who was blind came to him. After the second ministration she began to discern shapes; after the third she received her sight fully. The ’healing was gradual, and it. might be necessary for them to come time and time again.” Mr Hickson will visit Australia before he comes to New Zealand.