SUSSEX SERPENT WITH THE "EVIL EYE"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22836, 21 March 1936, Page 4

SUSSEX SERPENT WITH THE "EVIL EYE"

REMOVAL FROM HOSPITAL DEMANDED Superstition is still strong'in Sussex. The latest demonstration of it is a. demand for the removal of a "climbing serpent" on the tower of a new hospital in East Griristcnd. The serpent, the superstitious declare, has brought bad luck to the hospital since it was opened by Princess Helena Victoria on January 8. They point out that: The opening day was very wet; the matron fell ill on that day and became the hospital's first patient; and two patients have since died. It is useless to explain that the serpent is the historic emblem of iEseulapius, the Greek god of healing, that it has been the Bymbol of medicine for centuries, and that it appears on ths badge of the Royal Army Medical Corps. To, the obj ectors it is " that horrid : snake."

So strong has the objection become that the Hospital Committee has decided in favour of its removal. The matter is now to be considered by the Finance Committee.

."The whole thing has become a nuisance," the secretary of the hospital isaid. "People say that we ehall never have any luck at the hospital until the emblem has gone. It is true that the matron ie ill, and that two patients have died —but that would have happened in any case. I am not superstitious, but I do not care if the emblem is removed to restore the peace of mind of those who are. Many people think it casts an evil eye upon this place."