"Proper Puri-Puri Man”

Sorcery, or “puri-puri,” as it is known by the natives, is now being stamped out by the Government of Papua.

A case occurred a short time ago in the Northern Division. A man of the Asingi district made a complaint that his brother-in-law had practised “puri-puri” on him, causing him to wander in the bush, where he often had to pass the night. After some days of this, he reported the fact to the Village Constable.

The alleged sorcerer was brought be for the Court for Native Matters; but the case was dismissed, much to the disgust of the complainant.

Later, the Court Interpreter discov ered a leaf containing “sorcery medi cine” on the court-room floor. The natives who attended the case were re summoned, including the sorcerer, and, although he denied ownership of the medicine, some more leaves were found on him. A conviction naturally fol lowed.

Thereupon the defendant stated that, by holding the leaf containing the medicine in his hand, he was sure to win his case. But because he dropped the leaf while leaving, the verdict on the second occasion went against him.

“He altogether proper puri-puri man,” said the complainant, as he was leaving the court, well satisfied with his brother-in-law’s accomplishments in the art of black magic.