IN ZION CITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3173, 20 March 1911, Page 3

IN ZION CITY.

A BATTLE F<3£3 POWER.

LIVELY TIMES IX THE ZIOXIST CEXTHE. Things are decidedly mixed just now in Zion City. By the. payment of the probate duty, amounting to £'lo*o,ooo, Pastor Yoiiva secured the administration of the late “Elijah” Dowie’s estate, and with it regained a large measure of the influence he had lest. Pastor Voliva lately placarded the city with a decree prohibiting the use of liquor, oysters,- and drugs, and the establishment of theatres. He stigmatises a>s “infidels” all those who are demanding larger liberties. The chaos has become worse confounded by Voliva’s calling his followers to an armed insurrection against the compulsory vacillation laws'; and in the first- attempt to enforce these the suspended drum in the tabernacle will summon the. city to arms.

It was cabled some months ago that there was going to be another battle for power in Zion City. “King” Dowie, who professes to he a brother of the late “Elijah” Bowie, was reported t-o have arrived in the Zion centre and to have declared his intention to overthrow Pastor Voliva. A more recent message indicated how the followers of Pastor Voliva were rallying round him, and bringing along their dollars.