Amery's tarot suit

Errol Parker - 1 November 1987

Self-proclaimed psychic Colin Amery is suing the former leader of the sceptics society, Dr David Marks, claiming his tarot card reading business crashed after Marks publicly questioned psychic abilities. Marks was senior psychology lecturer at Otago University when he tested Amery’s claimed extrasensory powers.

Marks concluded that while Amery genuinely believed he possessed psychic powers, the test results did not support this contention. Marks was interviewed about the tests on television on August 8.

In his defamation action, in the Auckland High Court, Amery, described as a tarot consultant, says that as a result of the interview, he has effectively been put out of business

He is seeking $35,000 in general damages and unspecified special damages.

The claim is based on Amery’s assertions that before the TV interview he was providing about 20 tarot readings per week at $20 each.

That is alleged to have dropped to only two sittings a week with a consequent weekly earnings loss of $360.

A supporting memorandum says Amery has been granted legal aid for his High Court action.

Documents were served on Marks, now professor of psychology at Middlesex Polytechnic, on December 3. The new chairman of the sceptics society — more properly entitled the NZ

Committee for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal (Inc) — is university of Canterbury fine arts lecturer Dr Dennis Dutton.

He says the society has already assured Marks of full assistance in providing a “vigorous and robust” defence.

Dutton says that on legal advice he is unable to comment on specific aspects concerning Amery’s claim except to observe that the tests which led to the comments were made with Amery’s full co-operation.