SOUTHCOTT BOX

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16371, 20 June 1927, Page 10

SOUTHCOTT BOX

FRIPPERIES REVEALED BY X-RAY

LONDON, May 5,

X-ravs have succeeded where psychjc power failetjl in revealing the secrets of the famous mystery box left by the prophetess Joanna South'-, cott, who died in 1818. Tlic rays showed the outlines of a skull, .scissors, a horse pistol, a bead hag, rings, coins, pins, a roll of manuscript or a dice box and other a rtieles. ,

On the theory that' the manuscript —if there is one—may throw light on the prophetess’ announcement that she was to be the mother of a new Messiah, the box will be pried open in the next few- days.

The contents of the box have boon a matter of speculation for more than 100 years. According to Rebecca Pengarth, her sole companion, to whom tlie box Avas turned over after Joanna’s death, she solemnly promised it Avould never bo opened except in a national crisis and in the presence of 24 bishops. The boxpassed from the Pengarth family some years ago and recently was turned over to Mr. Brice, secretary of the National Laboratory of Psychical Research, who had it X-fayod. Joanna Soutlieott, a domestic servant, born in Devonshire in 1750, claimed supernatural powers and dictated prophecies in rhyme. Her sect numbered over 100,000 at one time, and is still in existence, although disappearing rapidly in 1890.