READING TEA-CUPS

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 June 1935, Page 7

READING TEA-CUPS

AUCKLAND PROSECUTIONS

WHAT MATRONS WERE TOLD [per press association.] AUCKLAND, June 14. Charges of undertaking to tell fortunes were brought by the police in the Police Court. Marion Page was charged with telling fortunes, while Ivy Goodman, of the Cottage Tea Rooms was charged with aiding and abetting in tlie commission of the offence. Mr. Richmond appeared for both defendants who pleaded not guilty. Two police matrons gave evidence that they visited the tea rooms and had their cups read by Marion Page. They were told such things as that one was going on a train journey and would hear of an old lady’s death shortly. “I was told that this death would not cause much sorrow, as it was expected,” said the matron. “I was also told that I had been handling legal papers, and I was advised not to do anything without my solicitor.” Both witnesses said there was no extra cha.rge. ' The reading was included in the price of the afternoon tea, 1/-. “I was told there was nothing but brightness around me,” said the second matron, “and also to be careful going round corners when I rode in a motor car. (Laughter). “I was also informed that I was going to be very busy.” (Laughter). Sergt. Ebbett said he interviewed Mrs. Goodman, when she told him that Mrs. Page had been employed as a character-reader and that she did not read frorii teacups.

Mr. Richmond submitted there was no case to answer. “This is an absurdity to begin with,” he said. “There was no pretence to tell the future my client merely reciting vague generalities of cheerful character. The whole matter has been considered under the English Act in a recent judgment. This is not fortune-telling as it does not come under the Statute as mischief by deceiving' people.' This is a silly cha.rge, no doubt prompted by the jealousy of other tearoom proprietors.”f Counsel added that it was not suggested that either defendant had promised to tell fortunes. On the matter of law there were no facts to justify either charge. There was no possible evidence against Mrs. Goodman. Magistrate McKean agreed and dismissed the charge against Mrs. Goodman. . , , “There have been convictions for teacup reading in other places in New Zealand so I will look into the matter and reserve my decision in the case against Mrs. Page,” he said. “Of course, these readings really do no harm, except in exceptional cases. It is a harmless-amusement.”