Items.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7366, 14 November 1898, Page 3

Items.

In connection with the agitation over the Maori makutu and resurrection case at Tauranga, the Auckland Star states that a similar accusation of witchcraft was made a few years ago at the Thames against the well-known chief Taipari, now dead. A Maori prophetess named Bapiti accused Taipari of having killed a Maori named Matiu Kapana by means of makutu. Taipari"was greatly upset at the charge, and at a big meeting at Parawai the prophetess admitted that she had falsely accused the chief. To " makutu," or bewitch, a person, one must obtain something beloDglng to the person to be bewitched- a lock of hair, a portion of a garment, or even some of the food which she or he has left. After " karabia," or incantations, have been uttered over this, the article must be buried secretly, and the individual will die, if the " makntu " is strong enough: " Makutu " or witchcraft, is also known amongst the East Coast Maoris by the name of " whaiwhaia," or " kikokiko." The Maoris say that the New Zealand " makutu " affects the heart, and thus kills one. There is a South Sea Island "makutu," which is said to be very powerful, on Mangaia Island (Cook Group), and which takes people by the throat.

The great race for instruction in the English language in Japan has naturally led to a growing demand for English books. Over 10,000 English books of all classes were imported last year, as against 80,000 in 1896.

Preference.—Nell : I chougbt she was going to marry Tom 1 Bell: No ; Jack. Nell: Why she told me Tom was willing to die for her. Bell : Yes ; but Jack offered to make a good living for her.

The Germans have introduced what amounts to slave labor in their East African colonies. Each native village must furnish a certain number of inhabitants to labor for the Imperial Government on plantations or elsewhere for nothing.

Amongst the recent additions to the insect house of the London Zoological Gardens is a gigantic centipede, which is over a foot long and nearly an inch wide across the segments. It is fed on mice, which it kills by discharging venom through Its perforated mandibles.