“SOOTHSAYER” FINED

Waipa Post, Volume 32, Issue 1786, 24 July 1926, Page 5

“SOOTHSAYER” FINED

“MUST BE' .STOPPED.,”- SAYS THE (By Press- Association.) AUCKLAND, Friday. “That he-/! id .pretend, fjrpm his skill or knowledge in any occult or crafty science ;to discover where, or in what manner goods or?,chattels; supposed to have been lost or stolen might be found,’’ was one of the five charges which, Robert James; Blackburn, of Hill Street, Newmarket, had to answer before Mr E. v K,-. -Hutt : t, S.M., at the Police Court this morning. Mr Alan Moody appeared for defendant. and pleaded guilty." Senior Detehtive Hammond stated that Blackburn was 'the head of one of the Spiritualistic circles in Auckland, and advertised meetings of' the- circle. A foolish lady,, after reading the advertisements in ;; .the- papers went to the circle and was told by Blackburn that the thief, had dark . hair, a brown moustache, etc. In fact, she was given the description , of- the man who had stolen her property. After that members of the police force went to the circle meetings. Those who attended' were expected to contribute a shilling or so. Mr Moody said that after looking at the law he could find no defence to the charges. Blackburn had acted on most erratic legal opinion and acted on honest: , belief.

Mr Hunt: They cleaned these sort of people up in Wellington some time ago. I . will inflict a fine of £5 and costs, on one. charge. This sort of humbug and tomfoolery must be stopped—getting credulous women along to their meetings.