I'm trying numpy svn trunk + scipy svn trunk. Seems to work:
from scipy.io.matlab.mio import loadmat, savemat
savemat ('fades.mat', fades, format='5')
d2 = loadmat ('fades.mat')
Seems OK.
I suggest that a warning be given if attempt is made to save an array not
supported by format 4, instead of silently messing it up.