MAGISTRATE’S HOROSCOPE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11294, 21 August 1922, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S HOROSCOPE

“FORTUNE-TELLER” BEFORE COURT. AN AMUSING INTERLUDE. A man named Wastall was before Mr Poynton, magistrate, at Auckland, for fortune-telling and practising “craft.” The chief-detective (Mr Mcllveney) was cross-examining accused* when the magistrate smilingly interposed. _Mr Poynton, S.M.: You’re not enlightened enough to understand, chief. (Laughter.) The European astrologists held that Mars was supposed to have great influence on the birth of warriors, and they have tried to prove that Caesar, Napoleon and others of the type were born under its influence. According to Chinese astrologers, Mars is for summer, flowers, peace, and plenty, and those born under its influence are humanitarian and devoted to the peaceful arts. Mr Poynton then read from one of the pamphlete: “This is my month, November-December,” he said. “I am glad lam one of these.” (Laughter.) This “horoscope” showed the magistrate to be “frank, progressive, rich in love and hope and with an inexhaustible faith in his fellowmen.” Such men “seldom err except in their overjealousness to put down men or institutions they consider unjust.” (Laughter.) At such times “their indignation, whilst virtuous in origin, is apt to acquire too much of personal aversion. (Laughter.) In their haste to correct wrong, they are often cruel and unjust. (Laughter.) . . These people will become tho salt of the earth if they will conquer their quick tempers, scolding habits, and tendency to sarcasm.” (Loud laughter.) Finally, individuals born under Mr Poynton’s particular star were advised to marry January or July girls. “But, listen to this,’’ continued Mr Poynton, after the laughter which convulsed the court* had somewhat subsided : “The above notices are neither based upon the pseudo-science of phrenology or the whimsicalities of planetary influence, but have supramundane origin. That’s where you fall in, Wastall—in claiming eupramundane origin for your sixpencewortb of information.” (Laughter.) Wastall was fined £.5.