People and Their Doings.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 931, 29 November 1933, Page 6

People and Their Doings.

Some Escapes of Hickson, the Faith Healer, After His Visit to Christchurch : The Strange Story of a Royal Prince of Persia : West Coast Footballer Marries.

3JOST OF THE PEOPLE who witnessed the remarkable scenes at the Christchurch Cathedral during the Hickson mission probably soon forgot the big, squarebuilt, heavy-faced man with the small, unsteady eyes who was acclaimed by some as a miracle worker and by others as a charlatan, until the announcement of his death a few weeks ago. But nearly all the time following his visit to Christchurch ten years ago James M. Hickson occupied touring the world, until in 1931 he declared that he had finished with public missions but was then working in a. private capacity. He carried faith-healing to Japan, Korea, Manchuria, China. South America, Canada and the West. Indies. W JJICKSON was in Chile !n 1926 during a disastrous earthquake. He survived a 130-miles-an-hour hurricane in mid-Atlan-tic, when two ships in the vicinity of that on which he was travelling, sank with all hands. Tie told an interviewer in London in 1931 that he was born in the Victorian bush in 186 S. As a boy, he went to New Zealand, and discovered his healing powers at the age of 14, when a cousin complained of a toothache. Hickson put his fingers on the spot, and the toothache disappeared. That was in 1882, but it was not until 1900 that Ilickson began his faith-healing missions. One of those whom he had healed left him a bequest of a house at Hove (England) and £2OOO in 1931. 9 9 JJOMANTIC TALES from the Arabian Nights of princes who rose from poverty and obscurity to fame and fortune only to fall into disgrace and captivity are recalled by the death in a prison cell of the once all-powerful Persian Court Minister, Abdul Hussein Khan TeymOurtache. He was formerly a royal prince of Persia, but was sentenced a few months ago to terms of imprisonment totalling eight years for alleged abuse of office. Originally an officer

in a Cossack cavalry brigade—in which the present Shah of Persia is stated to have served as a private—he rose to become the power behind the throne of Persia, playing an important part in Anglo-Persian negotiations. Tall, strikingly handsome, and of fine physique, he was a brilliant orator. His vivid personality, coupled with rare gifts of diplomacy, gained him the title of Mystery Man of the Middle East. Teymourtache guided the Shah through seven difficult years. At the zenith of his career in 192 S he paid a brief visit to England and was received by the King at Buckingham Palace. 9 9 9 QN CHRISIMAS EYE last year Teymour. taehe was dismissed from the post of Court Minister. The dismissal caused a great sensation in Persia, where he was regarded as the brain behind the Shah. As the British and Persian Governments were then engaged in the dispute over the AngloPersian Oil Company’s concession in Persia, it was at first thought that the prince had been made the scapegoat for an unpleasant situation from which his country was trying to extricate herself. lie was placed under arrest in his home last January. Within three months Teymourtache was pardoned by the Shah. Then the original sensation caused by his arrest and dismissal from office was eclipsed by the announcement in the middle of March that the prince, after a speedy trial in camera by a special court, had been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fines totalling nearly £25,000 for alleged swindling, embezzlement and extortion. The charges applied particularly to his relations with the National Bank of Persia. Clients alleged that losses totalling £IOO,OOO were involved. Last June the fallen prince was sentenced to another five years’ imprisonment for alleged bribery. He was between 50 and 60 years of age.

A. S. FONG, idol of the West Coast Rugby football supporters and held in high esteem by all West Coasters, was married yesterday at Runanga to Miss Evelyn Smith. The bridegroom is wellknown to Rugby followers in Canterbury, having played against this province on the two occasions that the Coast has challenged Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield. Last year he captained the West Coast team, and crowned the year by playing with distinction for the South Island against the North. Christchurch caught a glimpse of Mr and Mrs Fong last evening as they passed through on their way to Wellington. & ® & gIXTY YEARS AGO (from the “Star” of November 29, 1873) : Canterbury Archery Club.—The annual general meeting was held on Wednesday last. The following were elected otficers for the year:—Lady Paramount, Lady Wilson; president, Mr Rolleston; committee, Mrs L. Harper, Mrs Rolleston, Mrs Worthy, Mrs W atts Russell, Mr Reade, Mr Feredav, Mr Condell, Mr B. Parkerson; secretary, Mr F. H. Brittan; treasurer, Mr E. A. Worthy. The committee were authorised to spend a sum not exceeding £SO on the erection of a pavilion. It was decided that the shooting season be opened on Wednesday next at 4 p.m., when the bows presented by Mr Buchanan will be shot for. British Squadron Ordered to Cuba.—The Cubans have shot 57 more of the Virginius filibustering crew. America demands reparation or threatens extreme measures. England has notified Spain that, without prejudice to any action she may take re the 16 English already shot, she will hold Spain responsible for any more executed. Senor Castellar (President of the Republic) says he will maintain the honour and integrity of Spain, but will telegraph to England and America respecting the satisfaction required by International Law in the execution of the filibusters.