FORTUNE-TELLER FINED.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6321, 25 February 1922, Page 6

FORTUNE-TELLER FINED.

31AGISTRATE'S C 03131 ENTS

ONLY' A COM3ION CHEAT.’

An insight into the information conveyed to persons by a fortune-tel-ler was obtained from several witnesses in a case at the W ellington 31agistrate's Court, when a married woman named Clara Sinclair was charged before 3lr F. K. Hunt, .fi.31., with undertaking to tell fortunes. The police matron stated that she went to defendant’s premises one evening, and after being called upon to cut a pack of cards, the fortuneteller made some references to the witness being in love. She had had hard luck, and had worked _ very hard. Further, she (the witness) was gointr to buy a house, but was not going to marry again. By means of a crystal the fortune-teller then told her that in any business she took tip she would be very successful. Slie was going to get money in small lots from across the water. The charge for the interview was 2s. Wiir,ess had observed another lady waiting there, and in consequence, had to wait her turn. The next witness was the assistant matron, who visited the defendant s premises one morning. Again the cards were cut. and witness was requested to divide them into three lote. The information conveyed to this witness was to the effect that she would receive a letter containing money. According to the fortuneteller. she was to receive a pleasant surprise, and was to go on a land journey, during which she would be slightly sick. Defendant next read witness’ hand, and said that sue would make a good nurse and was very determined. The charge asked bv defendant was 2s.

Defendant: Did I tell you your character by hand?—Yes. Defendant: That is what you were charged for. That is palmistry. It is very strange that I told you you were going to be sick on a land journey. I should not earn my living if ,L told people silly things like that. A police constable next detailed an interview with the defendant, who took him by the hand and wanted to know if he had had a shock. (Laughter.) He was told, by reading of the hand, that lie would be successful in anv line of business lie took up, and that he would be lucky. By means of the cards, defendant again told him how lucky he was. She said that “Tatt’s were good.” and suggested that lie should “have a try in Tatt’s.” He would have a journey across water, and would have a fit of sickness, from which he would recover. The subject of marriage was touched upon, and he was informed that lie "ms to have a family of three. (Renewed laughter.) The charge for the interview was 2s. The defendant stated in evidence that the laws allowed her to give functions and entertainments.

The Magistrate: I know all about the laws. I want you to give evidence.

Defendant (holding un a copy of the Bible) : In the Bible it says, “There is length of days in the right hand, and riches and honour in the left.” If palmistry is not true—_ The Magistrate again had occasion to urge the defendant not to give a lecture. “You mv it is not fortunetelling?” he asked finally. The defendant- assented. “It is not right.” said the magistrate, “for vou to take 2s out of others’ pockets for a lot of nonsense. If you want to do good to vour f ellow-creatures and assist them in their troubles, vou must not charge for it. It is a wi'ked thing to do. You are liable to a month’s imprisonment, hut M-day J will convict you and fine you £5. You are a common cheat., Tf you come here again I will give you a month’s hard labor.” ,