Ghost plays tricks.
Disturbs beds and throws stones.
Strange tales have been told about ghosts, and in particular about the variety known as “goelery.” Mr Fraus du Toit, of the Krugersdorp district, tells of one with a sense of humour that haunts his home.
Returning home from the theatre one night, Mr du Toit was surprised to find the furniture in the house all turned topsy-turvy. The house had been locked, and he had had the only key in his possession.
During the night the residents heard strange noises, like stones being flung through the gauze covering the windows. On investigation it appeared that actual stones had been thrown, but there was no mark on the gauze to show where it had been penetrated.
From that time onwards this became a common occurrence. On one occasion Mrs du Toit left a packed and locked suitcase in the bedroom. She went out and locked the house. When she returned she found that all the articles that had been in the suitcase had been put into a washing basket and the case filled with dirty washing. The lock, however, was still intact.
The “ghost” appears to have a grudge against people using powder and other cosmetics. Every now and then Mrs du Toit finds all her toilet requisites have been flung out of the bedroom. Sometimes, when a bed has been made it is found shortly afterwards in a disarranged state. One bed has had to be made as much as five times in one day.
Not content with throwing stones, the “ghost” on one occasion threw a portion of an animal’s skull on to the bed.
Mr du Toit states that they have now become quite accustomed to these occurrences, and treat the pranks of the ghost as practical jokes. Nevertheless, they are puzzled as to how it is done.
Spiritualists have attempted to get in touch with the ghost, but no definite explanation has as yet been arrived at. It has been rumoured that there is buried treasure on the farm, but, in spite of extensive digging by natives, no such treasure has been excavated.
The Beaudesert Times (Queensland), 15th September 1933.