“PECULIAR PEOPLE” WARNED

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 5 March 1935, Page 6

“PECULIAR PEOPLE” WARNED

FAITH HEALING SECT CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER From Our Own Correspondent. (By Air Mail.) LONDON, Feb. 16. Two members of a religious sect known as the “Peculiar People” were found not guilty at Chelmsford Assizes of the manslaughter of their 13-years-old son. But the jury found them guilty of neglect in providing medical aid and they were bound over for 12 months.

They were Walter Levett, aged 51, a labourer, and his wife Mahala, aged 49. Mr Malcolm Hilbery, K.C., who sat as Commissioner of Assize, in bind them over, said : _“Let all people who belong to this sect take warning, because I believe that any judge, if this offence comes again, will most certainly pass a sentence of imprisonment.” Mr J. F. Eastwood, M.P., who prosecuted, had told the court that the “Peculiar People” apparently had an objection to calling in human aid, such as a doctor, in cases of illness.

Mr and Mrs Levett were devoted parents, and the child was well looked after in a happy home. The boy had tonsilitis, an abscess developed in his throat, and he died from toxaemia. William Copsey, an elder of the “Peculiar People” described how he visited the hoy.

“I tendered God’s word by the annotating with oil and by the laying on of hands, which we have proved many times to be effective,” he said. Mr Malcolm Hilbery: It is agreed by you that medical knowledge is granted by Almighty God P—l look to God to have Almighty power. He has done such great things for us. If medical knowledge may be a gift from God, why not act on that, as well as the gift of prayer?—We. look to God t° have Almighty power. We go there first.