THE KENT AND SUSSEX COURIER

Turnbridge Wells, Kent, England

25 May 1917

(page 5)

OCCULT LECTURER CONVICTED.

Mrs. Mary Davies, who recently lectured at the Pump Room at Tunbridge Wells on the subject of “Where are our beloved dead?” again appeared at the Marlborough Police Court on Tuesday, charged with pretending to tell fortunes. Defendant was described as a preacher and authoress, and her address as Regent-street. Evidence had been given previously of defendant sitting on a kind of throne chair and wearing regalia similar to a Master of Freemasons, of other persons with Masonic aprons, and of fortune telling. It was alleged that a Society called the Order of the Temple of the Orient was carried on. Further evidence was called on Tuesday, and for the defence it was suggested that defendant only gave advice in a similar way to a clergyman, whereupon the Magistrate remarked, “She charged 10s. 6d. for it.” On her own behalf defendant said she was a preacher, authoress and medium, and was the wife of a pensioner in the Royal Navy. She denied ever telling fortunes, and she had been giving spiritual comfort to people for 20 years. She generally closed her eyes in silent prayer when giving advice. Under cross-examination she stated she received £3 10s. a week by giving these interviews, but she did not tell fortunes by means of crystals. A fine of £20 was imposed in each of two cases, and defendant was also ordered to pay 10 10s. costs.