FORTUNE-TELLING A T CHRISTCHURCH EXHIBITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11533, 19 November 1900, Page 6

FORTUNE-TELLING A T CHRISTCHURCH EXHIBITION.

A PALMIST FINED. Amongst the 'many attractions at the Christchurch Exhibition is a lady who styles herself "Madame Denise," "scientific palmist and character delineator." On the 2nd of the present month ChiefDetective Chrysiall, with Detective Boddan, visited the lady to have their fortunes told. It was rather lat-j in the day. perhaps, for this sort of thing. Detective Chrystall went in first and the other detective took up his position outside, where he could hear what was going on. The detective explained his errand, md the lady told him she did not undertake to tell fortunes, butprofessed scientific pa'imictry. Detective Cnrystall's hands were examined, and he was told that his future would be more prosperous than his past. He would be getting a lot of money shortly, and there was good news for him at the post —either a letter or a telegram. Ho had wished for something that would come sooner or later. He would be hearing of the death of a friend shortly. The lady advised him to insure against fire or he would have a loss by lire. Ihe detective gave the lady 3s. On cross-examination, Detective Chrystall said he was deceived, as there was no letter for him at the post office. Detective Boddan then entered and exhibited his hands. He was told, that he was not in good health, and was suffering from indigestion. He was in monetary troubles, but they were only temporary, and would be over soon. He would live to a ripe old age. He was not suited foi a, commercial life, but lie was connected with a company that would be a financial success. He would shortly hear of the death ot an elderly man, who would leave him a large sum of money. His married life was not a happy one, and he would be deceived by a fair woman. Mr. Berwick addressed the Bench, and pointed out that the Exhibition Committee had granted the lady the use of the stall, and had charged hei £5 for it. His Worship said that it this business were going to assume large proportions, it would be better tc have a decision of the Supreme Court on the matter. He had to administer the Aot, and, under the Act, the defendant was charged with undertaking to tell for tunes, and the lady said herself that this was what she had proceeded to do. It was a mystery to him that anyone could be imposed by such rubbish. It was quite possible that the two detectives were imposed upon. Detective Chrystall went tc the post office about the letter— should have thought that the detective would have had more sense. Continuing, Mr. Beetham said the lady had brought herself within the Act. If she wished lie would fino her sufficient to enable her to appeal. Mr. Beswicl said there wa. no intention of appealing, and His Worship fined the defendant 20s on each of the two charges. Mr. Beetham remarked that the Exhibition Committea ought to refund the £5; they were really parties to the offence, and had no business to let the lady the space.