Madame Manning

Scientific Palmist in Willis Street 1916

The first advertisement for Madame Manning’s services appeared on 3rd April 1894.

‘Wanted Known – Scientific Palmist, past, present, and future may be consulted at 132*, Upper Willis-street.’

The enterprise did not last long. On 19th April, a detective and a constable in plain clothes visited the premises pretending to be customers. Business was brisk and the two men had to wait a little.

Eventually Detective Herbert’s turn came and he was called behind the screen. He asked to have his fortune told and a magnifying glass was used by Madame Manning to examine his hand. Madame said Herbert had a very good hand and based on the lines on his hand, he would probably live until the age of 90, that he would inherit money, prosper and become wealthy. He was also told that he was upright and honest. For this information, he was asked to pay a fee of 2s 6d.

Madame Manning was then charged with being a fortune teller and the case was heard at the Supreme Court in June.

Mr Skerrett represented the accused, also known as Charles Percy Manning.

‘His Honor: Was there any suggestion about ladies in your future?

No, he did not make any mention of ladies in my case at all. (Laughter).’

The jury spent only a short time deliberating and returned a verdict of not guilty. Manning was discharged. No further trace of Charles Manning or Madame Manning can be found in New Zealand records.

*other advertisements noted that 132 Upper Willis Street was part of the same premises as W. Jupp, wood turner. WCC Archives hold a consent application for Jupp Bros. altering a verandah at 155 Willis Street, later known as 153 Willis Street. It is presumed this is the location that Madame Manning operated from. The building was demolished in 2010.

References:

https://archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz/nodes/view/390541

Concerning Fortune-Telling. (1894, June 14). New Zealand Times, 3.

‘Wanted Known’. (1894, April 12). Evening Post, 3.

‍Looking north along Willis Street, Wellington, from the vicinity of the Dixon Street intersection, showing in the foreground the premisies of Tustin & Godber, painters, decorators and paperhangers, with a signwriter making additions to the sign on the side of the building. Photograph taken between 1894 and 1899 by Henry Brusewitz.

Willis Street, Wellington. Brusewitz, Henry Elis Leopold, b ca 1855 :Negatives. Ref: 1/1-001012-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22805368