“Precious to Spirits”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 490, 20 October 1928, Page 24

“Precious to Spirits”

A Remarkable Child

“I am a medium, and I have received a message that Peter is a remarkable child,” declared Mrs. V era Andrew's in the Hobart Supreme Court, supporting an application by her brother, Harry Warnock Smith, orchardist, for the custody of his child, Peter Warnock Smith, aged four. The applicant and his wife have been living apart, and the mother took the child with her. Mrs. Smith declared in evidence that her husband had threatened to kill her. He believed in Christian Science, and had always had a strong objection to her obtaining medical advice. He said that if her thoughts were right her health would be right. Mrs. Smith added that she had reason to believe that if her son required medical care, her husband would not get it for him on account of his expressed opinions. He said the spirits would always guide Peter and care for him.

Her husband’s sister had similar view's. They had said that Peter was “very precious to the spirits, w'ho said he was psychic, and would be of great assistance to them.” They also declared that he had a message to give to the world, and would be a prophet. Witness considered that her husband’s sister was not fit to have the care of the child.

In giving the mother the custody of the child, Mr. Justice Crisp stated that he believed her explanation regarding the separation, and said that the child w'ould be best cared for by her.