THE WESTERN TIMES

Exeter, Devon, England

23 May 1917

(page 3)

THE THREE M.’s

Hearing of Fortune-Telling Case Resumed.

The Mysteria Mystica Maxima case was resumed at Marlborough-street Police Court, 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 accused sitting on a kind of throne chair, wearing a 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 accused gave a cheering talk and prayer.

Counsel suggested that 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 instruction, 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 others, and falls back among them.”

Defendant giving evidence, said she was the wife of William Robert Davies, a pensioner in the Royal Navy. She got her living as a preacher, authoress, and medium. She never told fortunes. When giving advice, she generally closed her eyes in silent prayer. She had been giving folks spiritual comfort for twenty years. Cross-examined she denied telling fortunes by means of crystals She made £3 10s per week by giving these interviews.

Accused was fined £20 in each of two cases, and 10 guineas costs.