DRESSED AS A BISHOP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 109, 11 May 1931, Page 8

DRESSED AS A BISHOP

FALSE PRETENCES CHARGE | ALLEGED IMPOSTOR IN COURT LONDON, March 20. Trank Oswald Charteris, described as a company director, who has already been remanded on a charge of obtaining £5O from Viscount Cowdray by representing himself to be the Bishop of the Falkland Islands, again appeared al North London Police Court, on March 12, charged with obtaining £5O from Sir Louis Baron by false pretences. It was alleged that on this occasion ho represented himself to bo the Bishop of Coventry. Sir Louis Baron, giving evidence, stated that Charteris called on him in his office on December 18, dressed as a bishop. He said that he was the Bishop of Coventry. “He said that he was formerly chaplain and secretary to the late Archbishop of Canterbury, and that he was making an appeal on behalf of the rescue of fallen girls. Ho told me of several eases,’and mentioned that he was getting situations for them. His appeal was a very strong one, and it impressed ma very much.’ 7 Sir Louis called one of his directors to his office, and the conversation was repeated to him. “I told the man that I was interested, and that the best thing he could do would be to write to me and give me information of what he was doing,” added Sir Louis. “He said he would, and then he left. ’ ’ On December 29 witness received a letter written on Carlton Hotel notepaper. Mr Sanders, prosecuting counsel, produced the letter, and read the following extracts from it:—“l know you do not require me' to set forth in detail the work and difficulties we are encountering at the present time. You, I know, realise the extreme urgency of our present financial position in the most important work of the rescue of possible victims of the dreaded white slave traffic. “I know my call upon you will not be in vain. When I saw you 1 had collected £2863 towards the £5OOO I aim for. I am glad to tell you I have now reached the total of £3400, for which I sincerely thank Our Lord and the very generous donors who have subscribed.’ ' Mr Sanders added that a further letter was received by Sir Louis written on Carlton Hotel paper with the address 31, Portsdown Road, written on it. This letter acknowledged Sir Louis’ cheque, and referred to the writer being “touched and delighted by such kindly assistance.” Mr Sanders (to Sir Louis): Did you, in fact, believe at that time that he was a bishop?—Yes, I believed he was a bishop until a few days ago. Charteris was committed for trial.