FALSE PRETENCES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19836, 27 June 1934, Page 10

FALSE PRETENCES

ACCUSED REMANDED. By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, June 26. John Frederick Amos, aged 20. described as the representative of the Moravian Church in New Zealand, was charged to-day with being a rogue and vagabond, in that he imposed on a private indivdiual by a false representation with a view to obtaining money. The police said the accused came to Christchurch a month ago from Wellington. He lived with his people there. He canvassed the Fendalton district collecting money, allegedly in the cause of the relief of distress. He had used the names of a number of clergymen. The amount collected was between £6 and £lO. Accused claimed, among other things, to be an ordained minister of the Moravian Church. The police did not know any minister of that church in New Zealand, and though there was no definite information, it was believed he was simply a fraud. The Magistrate, Mr E. D. Mosley: Where have I seen this man before? Counsel for accused: I understand he preached in one of the Presbyterian Churches. A witness said accused had discussed entering the Methodist ministry. “I have had so much of this sort of thing before me.” said the Magistrate. “Weak minded rascals are going from house to house collecting money and a stop should be put to it.” He decided to adjourn the case for a report on accused’s behaviour.