THE DUBLIN DAILY EXPRESS

Dublin, Republic of Ireland

23 May 1917

(page 2)

“M.M.M.”

Alleged Fortune Telling.

The “Mysteria Mystica Maxima” case was resumed at Marlborough street Police Court, London, yesterday, 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 the accused sitting on a kind of throne chair, wearing regalia similar to 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 accused gave cheering talk and prayed.

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

“She charged 10s 6d for it,” said the magistrate (laughter).

Bertha Brondel consulted accused about her child’s supposed heart disease. Accused gave certain instructions, and said she would throw out her spirit to meet witness’s.

Another witness asked advice about her husband in the Essex Regiment. Accused said, “I see him rushing on; he rushes on with the others and falls back among them.”

A fine of £20 was imposed in each of two cases, and 10 guineas costs.