CUP READING

Southland Times, Issue 25312, 15 June 1935, Page 8

CUP READING

WOMEN CHARGED MAGISTRATE RESERVES DECISION “HARMLESS AMUSEMENT” (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, June 14. Charges of undertaking to tell fortunes were brought by the police in the police court when Marion Page was charged with telling fortunes while Ivy Goodman, of the Cottage. Tea Rooms, was charged with aiding and abetting in the. 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 haH 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 charge for payment. The reading was included in the price of after-/ noon tea, 1/-. “I was told there was nothing but brightness around me,” said the second matron, “and also to be careful going around corners when I rode in a motor car.” (Laughter.) I was also informed that I was going to be very busy.” (Laughter.) Sergeant Ebbett said he interviewed Mrs Goodman when she told him Mrs Page had been ‘ employed as a 'character reader and that she did not read from tea cups, 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 a 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 charge, no doubt prompted by the jealousy of other tea room projmetors.”

Counsel added that it was not suggested that either defendant 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. The Magistrate, Mr McKean, agreed and dismissed the charge against Mrs Goodman. “There have been convictions for tea cup 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 not harm except in exceptional cases. It is harmless amusement.”