THE HULL DAILY MAIL

Hull, Yorkshire, England

22 May 1917

(page 6)

MYSTICS WITH REGALIA.

CURIOUS FORTUNE-TELLING CASE RESUMED.

The “Mysteria Mystica Maxima” case was resumed at Marlborough-street Police Court, to-day when Mary Davies, described as an authoress and preacher, of Regent-street, was charged with pretending to tell fortunes.

At the previous hearing evidence was given of accused sitting on a kind of throne chair, wearing regalia similar to that of the Master of Freemasons, with other people wearing Masonic aprons. It was alleged that a society called the Order of the Temple of the Orient was carried on, and evidence of fortune-telling was given.

Inspector Curry, recalled for cross-examination, was asked if he found appreciative letters from Sir Oliver Lodge as to accused’s mystical powers as a spiritualist.

He said one letter was appreciative, but not from Sir Oliver Lodge.

A lady police witness said the accused gave cheering talk and prayer.

Counsel suggested that the accused gave advice such as a clergyman might have done.

“She charged ten and six for it,” said the magistrate (laughter.)

Bertha Brondel consulted the accused about her child’s supposed heart disease. Accused gave certain instructions, and said she would throw out her spirit to meet the witness’s, and witness asked advice about her husband in the Essex Regiment. Accused said:—“I see him rushing on. He dashes on with others, and falls back among them.”