THE LIVERPOOL ECHO

Liverpool, Lancashire, England

22 May 1917

(page 5)

IN THRONE-CHAIR.

COURT STORIES OF COMING EVENTS.

HEART DISEASE CURE.

CHEERY CHATTER ALONG WITH PRAYER.

The “Mysteria Mystica Maxima,” case was resumed at Marlboro-street Police Court, this morning, before Mr. Denman, when Mary Davies (50), described as an authoress and preacher, of 93, Regent-street, London, W., was charged on a warrant with pretending to tell fortunes.

At the previous hearing Detective-Inspector Curry, of New Scotland Yard, explained that he found defendant in a room with other people. She was seated on a kind of throne-chair, and was wearing the regalia of a worshipful master of Freemasons. The other people were wearing masonic aprons. It was alleged that a society called “The Order of the Temple of the Orient” was carried on. Evidence was called as to fortune-telling in regard to a mythical brother in the Royal Flying Corps.

Mr. Cartwright Sharp now appeared for the defence.

MYSTIC LETTERS.

Inspector Curry was recalled for cross-examination. He admitted that the letters “M.M.M.” were on the third floor, and that the room with “Mrs. Mary Davies” on was on the second floor.

She had, however, according to witness, been helping to support the “M.M.M. Lodge,” and had founded it.

Counsel.—Did you not find among the documents which you took possession of appreciative letters from Sir Oliver Lodge as to her mystical powers as a Spiritualist?—One of the letters was appreciative, but not the one from Sir Oliver Lodge.

In answer to a further question, witness said he had been in touch with the military authorities in regard to some of the matters concerned.

A lady police witness, also cross-examined, denied that having asked for comfort and advice Mrs. Davies simply gave a little cheery talk and prayer.

Counsel.—She gave you advice such as an old friend or clergyman might have given you?

The Magistrate.—She charged 10s. 6d. for it whatever it was (laughter).

Counsel.—The ordinary clergyman has to live.

Bertha Brondel said she went to defendant to consult her about the alleged heart disease of her child. Mrs. Davies asked for the child’s sock, and later said “At twelve o’clock every day will you sit down with your baby on your lap placing your right hand over his heart just by the cardiac, and your left hand on his back? Sit like that for ten minutes.

THE SPIRITS CLASH.

During the period of time arranged, defendant added that she would sit quiet also, and throw out her spirit to meet witness’s, so as to throw the disease out of the child.

Defendant further said, added witness, “I am sure that at the end of a fortnight your baby will be quite well.” Defendant asked for the baby’s glove, which witness gave her. She held it in her hands for a time, and then asked for witness’s address. She said, “I will send you a piece of magnetised blotting-paper, which you can hold in your hand at the time.”

Miss Stella Gardner, another witness, said she went to defendant and asked her for advice in respect of her “husband,” who was in the Essex Regiment, and whom she had not heard from for some weeks. Defendant, said witness closed her eyes, and then said, “I can see him rushing on. He is full of life, not exactly good-looking. He rushes on with others, and falls back among them.” Witness asked, “Wounded?” and defendant said, “I cannot tell.” Mrs. Davies went on. “I can see a pretty place with trees and water, and you will probably be with him later.”