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THE GLOBE London, England 15 May 1917 (page 3)
MYSTERIA OR “MUGGINS”?
SEQUEL TO REGENT-STREET RAID.
FORTUNE-TELLING CHARGE.
There was a sequel at Marlborough-street today to a raid by Scotland Yard officers on the premises in Regent-street of the mystical society known as the “M.M.M.,” when Mrs. Mary Davies, psychist, was charged with professing to tell fortunes.
When the police entered, Mrs. Davies was seated on a “Throne” in the “Temple” surrounded by about ten people and certain rites were in progress. The names and addresses of the persons present were taken, and Mrs. Davies was arrested.
Mr. Muskett, prosecuting, said it might be that the case would come under the second clause of the section, “using a subtle craft, means, or device, by palmistry or otherwise to deceive and impose.”
Mystery of “M.M.M.”
Detective Curry said that on the glass panel of the front door were the letters “M.M.M.”
Mr. Muskett said he thought that it meant Mysteria, Mystical, Maxima.
There was considerable laughter at the back of the court.
The Magistrate (Mr. Denman): I do not think that we can assume what it means. It may be Mary Muriel Muggins (laughter).
Witness, continuing, said that it was the Order of the Temple of the Orient.
“Or disorder,” interjected Mr. Muskett, amid laughter.
With Sergt. Burnley witness entered a room on the third floor, and saw ten persons besides prisoner, who was seated in a sort of throne-chair with Masonic regalia representing the Worshipful Master. The others wore the aprons of Master Masons.
He said loudly to all present, “I am a police inspector and want you all to remain here.” When told of the warrant, accused replied, “I have done no wrong. This is a Masonic Lodge, and you have no right here.”
Founder of the Order.
Witness informed her that, “I do not recognise this as of any consequence. I understand that you call this the Order of the Temple of the Orient. Your founder is a man of evil reputation and a traitor to this country.”
Accused asked to see the warrant and said, “I never tell fortunes. There has been a mistake.” She described herself as a lecturer.
What a Client was Told.
Mrs. Blanche Daisley, living at Southfields, described her visit to the accused. “What can I do for you, child?” asked accused on seeing her.
“I replied that I wanted comfort and advice. I gave my name as Mrs. Fitzhughes, and said, ‘I have a brother in the Flying Corps, and I want to know if he is safe and well and if he will come through.’
“She closed her eyes and was silent for about two minutes, and then said, ‘Yes, I see him.’ Then, after a pause, ‘Ah, but what is this? I see something has happened. He is still. What is this?’
“After another pause, ‘Ah, how brave! How wonderful!’ She paused again for a minute or two and said, ‘I am afraid I can give you no hope that he will come through, but his spirit will live.’
Saw Two Spirits.
“After another pause she told me, ‘I see two spirits. You have lost two very near and dear.’ She looked at me, but I made no reply, and she said ‘brothers,’ in a questioning tone. At her request I handed her my dress ring and she closed her eyes again and described them as spirits hovering about my Flying Corps brother.
“She said, ‘I see two more spirits.’ Again she looked at me and said, ‘Your mother and father,’ Placing the ring to her fore-head she exclaimed, ‘Magnet, how you draw people!’ ”
Witness said that prisoner, referring to her (witness’s) husband, said, “You don’t love him as a wife” (laughter).
Mr. Muskett: There is a certain air of gravity about the case although it may be laughable.
Witness remarked that prisoner rambled on about twin souls and spirits, and in the end she paid prisoner half-a-crown.
A remand was ordered, bail being allowed, two sureties in £50 or one in £100. |