ALLEGED FRAUD

Marlborough Express, Volume LXVIII, Issue 149, 26 June 1934, Page 2

ALLEGED FRAUD

THE CHRISTCHURCH CASE, "MINISTER" CHARGED.

Press Association Telegram.

CHRISTCHURCH, June 26. John Frederiek Amos, aged 20, a representative of the Moravian Church in New Zealand, was charged to-day with being a rogue and a vaga -> bond, in that he imposed, on a private individual by a fals© representation with a view to obtainihg money. The police said the accused came to Christchurch a montli ago from Wellington and lived with his people here. He canvassed the Fendalton distrrct collecting money, allegedly or. behalf of the relief of distress, and he had used the na'mes of a number of clergymen. The amount collected was between £6 and £10. Tne accused claimed, among other things, to be an ordained minister of the Moravian Church. The police did not know any minister oi that church in New Zealand and, though there was no definite information, it was believed to be simply a fraud. The Magistrate (Mr Mosley) : Where have I seen this man before? Counsel for the accused: I under - stand he preached in one of the Presbyterian churches. A witness said the 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 deeided to adjourn the case fiw a report on the accused's behaviour.