CLEVER SWINDLED

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14691, 27 May 1911, Page 2 (Supplement)

CLEVER SWINDLED

MARSEILLES VICTIMISED.'

Marseilles has been victimised by 8 clover swindler to the tune of several hundred pounds. A few weeks ago a. welldressed and good-looking man, calling himself Maurice le Lorrain, who said he was honorary vi'ce-president of the Lotraine Sporting Club, in Lorraine, arrived' at one of the best hotels in Marseilles. There is no more patriotic town in France than Marseilles, and the recent arrest of the president of the Lorraine Sporting Club at a gymnastic fete in Germany made the new arrival a popular hero. Le Lorrain was interviewed, and his portrait appeared in all the local papers. He was entertained extensively, and gave severe lectures on " Alsaco and Lorraine" which were largely attended. Then one day he told the police that his pocket-book-and cheque-book had been stolen in the street, and that he had received from the thief an anonymous letter, which he showed. The stealer of the pocket-book wrote to say that unless £20 was given to his messenger at once when he should send for it he would hand over to Germany a document of great importance contained in tin pocket-book. Le Lorrain told nobody what the doctn ment was, but excitement grew, as excite* ment can grow in Marseilles, when next day tho newspapers published a second letter threatening Le Lorrain with death if ho continued urging the claims of Al* . sace and Lorraine in Marseilles. Lft lor* rain told his friends that he thought wiser to go. away for a few days. n« left without paying his hotel bill, an®., borrowing £20 apiece from 30 or 40 diifereot people to buy back " the imports document!." Inquiries have been mad o about him in Mot?, and at the Lorraine Sporting Club. He is not known there* and it is extremely improbable that Mar* seilles will ever see him again unless _ police, who arc looking for him, succw* in finding him.