FORTUNES IN TEACUPS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 15 June 1935, Page 6

FORTUNES IN TEACUPS

Police Matrons Have Their Futures Told AUCKLAND CHARGES HEARD (By Telegraph—Press Association.) . AUCKLAND, June 14. Charges of undertaking to tell fortunes were brought by the police in the Police Court to-day, when Marion .Page was charged .with telling fortunes, while Ivy Goodman, of the Cottage Tearooms, was charged with aiding and abetting in the commission of the offence. The charge against Mrs Goodman was dismissed; and judgment in the other case reserved. Mr Richmond appeared for both defendants, who pleaded not guilty. Two police matrons gave evidence that they visited the.tearooms arid 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. <l l was told that this death would hot caiise much sorrow, as it was expected," said the matron. “I was alho 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 charge. Payirient for the reading was included m the price of aftbrfiddh tea, is,.:;. *. \ *‘l tdld thbrri whs nothing but brightrieSs around me, ,r said the second matron, "and also to be careful going around corners when I rode in a motor car!" "I waS also informed that I was going to be very busy," she ;added, and a sniile went round the court. Sergeant’Kbbett said he interviewed Mrs Goodman, when she told him Mrs Page had been employed as a character reader, arid that she did not read from teacups. Mf Richmond submitted that there was iro case to answer.

“This is an absurdity to begin with;” he said. “There was no pretence to fell the future, my client mefely reciting vague generalities of a Uheerful character. The whole matter has been considered under an English Act in a recent judgment. This is not fortune-telling, as it does not come riftder the Statute as mischief by deceiving people. This is a silly charge, no doubt prompted by the jealousy of other tearoom proprietors.” Counsel added that it was not suggested that either had promised to tell fortunes. On a matter of law there were no facts to justify either charge. There was no possible evidence against Mrs Goodman.

Mr W. R. McKean, S.M., agreed, and •disihissed the -charge against Mrs Goodman.

“There have teen 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 harmless amusement."