THOUGHT-READING.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1921, Page 5

THOUGHT-READING.

TWO PERFORMERS CHARGED. I “DECEIVING HIS MAJESTY’S SUBJECTS." By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. Three charges arising out of a $h ought-reading performance at t*ie Hipjppdrome Theatre, Auckland, on DecemIber 30, were preferred against Charles i Louis Copeland, professional entertainer. and his son. Argus Nathaniel Julius Copeland, in the Magistrate’s Court today. The charges were that the accused did I undertake to tell fortunes, and did pretend from skill and knowledge in occult- and crafty sciences to discover where and in what manner any goods and chattels supposed to have been stolen or lost may be found, and Jasti]’ used their subtle craft to deceive and impose upon his Majesty’s subjects. All the charges were laid under the Justices of the Peace Act. The case had been mentioned in Christchurch some weeks ago, and an adjournment was granted in order that it might be heard in Auckland.

A statement of the facts agreed upon by the parties describing the performance at the theatre was put in. Counsel for the defence said there was no intention to deceive. The craft employed hypnotism and suggestion, which could not be called a subtle craft with intent to deceive. Counsel quoted at length from works of psychology. Evidence as to the truth of a number of predictions made by “Argus” was given, and even{ually the case was adjourned for a private demonstration before the Magistrate, the police, and the Press.