THE SUBTLE CRAFT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3765, 7 May 1907, Page 4

THE SUBTLE CRAFT.

Policeman Visits a Palmistry Establishment. Despite the law and its rigid enforcement, the subtle craft, better known as lorlune telling, still exists in Christchurch, and the experience of Sergeant Beaumont, a local police oiticer, in bringing to book one of these individuals, who poses before the public as being endowed with supernatural powers, which enables them to pierce the mystic veil that surrounds the future, when unfolded in Court this morning, makes interesting and amusing reading. According to that official he, in company with a friend, visited the house or Mary Hyland, a palmist, on March 15th, about 10 p.m., and found her husband standing at the door, and on informing that individual that they wanted their fortunes told, they were ushered into a small room, a portion of which was screened oft. In this apartment they found Mrs Hyland who immediately prayed them to be seated. Having in the meantime acquired a magnifying glass, she at once commenced to study the officer’s hand intently for several seconds, and later informed him that he was fond of music and women, had a quick perception which would make him a good detective, was a good friend, and a bitter enemy, but when roused he had a very bad temper. He was also very fond of home and family. When she had completed her observations, he made enquiries as to the charge, and was informed that the minimum was half a crown, but the maximum was not limited. He paid her the amount mentioned, as did his friend. When leaving they passed two people going in to have a audience witlr the lady. He reported the matter, and the result was that Mrs Hyland was charged with imposing and deceiving his Majesty’s subjects by subtie craft, to wit, palmistry. Mr Donnelly: She intended to impose on and deceive you, and did she do so ? Witness replied he was fond of music; was an Irishman (which presumably meant to embody quick temperament). He had due regard for ladies, and was fond of home and family. Well, what did she deceive you about ? asked Mr Donnelly. Witness: Nothing. I went there with the firm idea she was a fraud, and came aw'ay with that idea strengthened. Mr Donnelly, who appeared for defendant, said he would admit the facts, but did not think that the case came under the heading of subtlety, sorcery, etc. The woman did not deceive the officer, and her reading was entirely free from prophecy. She did not for a moment trade on the people’s imagination. What she told the sergeant was what anyone might have told him, on looking at his goodnatured face. The Magistrate (Mr V. G. Day) thought that there had been deception practised, and inflicted a fine of 20s and costs.