FRAUD ALLEGED

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1934, Page 6

FRAUD ALLEGED

MORAVIAN CHURCH MINISTER. (Per Press Association.—Copyright.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 26. John Frederick Amos, aged 20, described os a representative of the Moravian Church in New Zealand, Avas charged to-day Avith being a rogue and a vagabond .in that ho imposed on private individuals by false representation avitli a vicAV to obtaining money. The police said accused came to Christchurch a month ago from Wellington, and lived with his people here. Fie canvassed the Fendnlton district, collecting monif allegedly on behalf of the relief of distress. He had used the names of a number of clergymen. The amount collected avus be--tAveen £6 and £lO. Accused claimed among other things to be an ordained minister of the Moravian Church. The police did not know of any minister of that church in Neiv Zealand, and though there Avas no definite information it Avas believed he Avas simply a fraud. The Magistrate (Mr E. D. Mosley): “Where have I seen this man before?” Counsel for accused: “I understand lie preached in one cf the Presbyterian churches.' A Avitness said accused had. discussed entering the Methodist ministry.” “I have had so much of this sort of thing before me,” said the Magjhtrate. “Weak-minded rascals- are going from house to house collecting money and a stop should lie put to it.” It Avas decided to adjourn the case for a report on accused’s behaviour.