“THIS HUMBUG HAS TO STOP.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17906, 23 July 1926, Page 5

“THIS HUMBUG HAS TO STOP.”

DETECTIVE VISITED SPIRITUALIST CIRCLE. Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, July 23. James Blackburn was charged this morning that he did pretend from skill or knowledge in occult or crafty science to discover where or in what manner goods or chattels supposed to have been stolen might be found. Evidence was given that Blackburn was the head of a. spiritualistic circle and advertised meetings. A foolish woman w T ent to the circle and was told by Blackburn that a thief had dark hair and a brown moustache. She was given a description of a man who had stolen her property. Mr Hunt inflicted a£o fine. He said that this sort of humbug and tomfoolery must be stopped. Accused had lured credulous women along to his meetings.

The prosecution offered to put a detective in the box to tell what went on at the circle.

Mr Moody, for the accused, observed that there was no necessity. No doubt the detective enjoyed himself. Mr Hunt remarked that these people had been cleaned up in Wellington some time ago.