“HONEST JOHN.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 4005, 3 October 1929, Page 3

“HONEST JOHN.”

HELENSVILLE shocked. - [NEWS OF GREY'S ARREST. 4 The quiet little riverside township of Helensville was metaphorically shaken to its foundations last Tuesday when Auckland detectives * in the company of a-sheriff from faraway Texas aifrested John Grey, one' of the most. prominent ‘ citizens (says the Auckland Star). There was no fuss or show. Three men who might easily have keen mistaken for tourists or visitors to sample the mineral qualities of the neighbouring hot springs, quietly left the north-bound express, sauntered up the main street, had a look round, and then walked into Grey’s office.

The news of the arrest came as a thunderbolt to the residents. Grey has associated himself with many local activities during the twelve years of his (residence in the district and has earned the respect 'of his fellow men by his genial disposition, energy and integrity. Scrupulously honest in all his ings, he is known as “Honest John.” The residents propose to forward a petition to the (police authorities in Auckland testifying to his up.right character while,in their midst. They are astounded at the'shadow cast over him. He was connected with many municipal activities and worked as the head of a prosperous laud agency business. “SUCH A DECENT CITIZEN.” “If John Grey ran for Mayor tomorrow wc would put him in as he has [been such a decent citizeh,” said Mi’. J. iStewakt,'a local merchant “You won’t find anyone who has a word to say against him. He was a very active citizen, liberal with his money, and industrious. He supported everything socially and was a regular attendant at the Presbyterian Church. As a citizen we could not find fault with him. He came to the district hard up and a numketr of settlers, in order to give him a start, ploughed his farm at Te Pua.” On every hand the testimony is the same. Mr. J. Maekie, ex-chair-man of the Helensville Town Board, and a, member of the Waitemata Power Board, said: “I haive known Grey for eleven years, and his dealings have always’ been straightforward. fie has ibeen liberal and has done everything for the benefit of the people of the district. I can say that., confidently. He was looked upon as one of our best citizens. He was in low water financially when he came here, hut he started in the land agency business in the boom period and prospered. He was local agent for the Public Trust Office, supported the church solidly, and the Helensville A. and P. Association both financially and otherwise. He was a past presi-

dent of the Auckland A. and P. Association and is istill a member of 1 the executive. He was on the local school committee at one time, and had been president of the tennis club and a. member of the golf club.

His arrest came as a- thunderbolt, as he was looked upon as an honv durable man. I know we have lost one of our best citizens.” Mr. (C. G. Sandin, J.P., a Helenbville chemist, said the town had been better for the residence in the district of John Grey. A man who has had extensive

financial dealings with Grey said the

arreSt had been, a shock to the ' town. iSijice Grey arrived in 1917 he had lived a decent, upright life. His word had been his bond and he was highly esteeined. He worked strenuously for the advance of the town. Grey spoke with a distinct American accent, but at no -time endeavoured to disguise his nationality. Some wondered why a man who was prepared to live and make his home in New Zealand did not become a British subject, but all recognised -him as a good citizen. “FORBHARTO CONDEMN HIM.” The general impressions in Helensville 'are summed up aptly in the following paragraph, which appeared in the Kaipara Echo: —“A social calamity has interrupted our usually quiet town. A man whom we have honoured with many social positions stands accused of forgery . in another country. He will be tried by proper courts of justice. We only, know John Grey who has done good for this district. Until, therefore, we know whether this man is or is not guilty, can we not forbear to condemn him until his defence is heard?, British justice allows the benefit of the doubt to favour the prisoner. Can we not give ' John Grey fair play, if not for his own sake 'then for others —his family?” ' ' ; PERSISTENT U.S. POLICE. REWARD OF 1000 DOLLARS. According to the Texas sheriff if Grey is extradited —and protracted proceedings are anticipated—he will 'be charged in the town.of Temple with -forging bills of lading by which means he succeeded in drawing from two banks the sum of 160,000 dollars. The Statute of Limitations operates only in civil law. When a "criminal offence has been committed there is no time limit, and there have been cases where wrongdoers have been arrested and sentenced after almost a life-time of freedom.

Persistence in sending out descriptions and photographs is a feature of the United States Police Department (remarks the Auckland Star). 'The men controlling criminal investigation in that country believe that the, receipt by public officers and others month after month, of -photographs of men wanted impresses the recipients with

the features of those it is desired to apprehend, and there have been numerous instances on record in the (States which show that this method lias been responsible for numerous arrests.

'The Texas sheriff (Mr. John Bighorn), Who apprehended John Grey in Helensville and charged him with being A- f B. Crouch, (of Temple, Texas, had circularised private inquiry agents and the police in New Zealand for the last year or two at regular monthly intervals. The circulars not only give an accurate description olf Crouch, but also advised that a reward of 1000 dollars would be paid to the person giving information leading to the arrest of the f orger. It was the information of certain persons in Auckland, not connected with the police, that led to the Arrival in Auckland of the Texas sheriff, and if the man arrested proves to be 'Courc'h and is extradited to America the 1000 dollars will be paid out by the sheriff to the givers of the information when, according to that officer he is delivered to me on the steamei which will take him back to the States.”

GREY IN COURT. ’ BAIL FIXED AT £OOOO. Auckland, October 2. Alleged to be the man sought by the Texas police for 'the last 13 ■years, on a charge of v forgery in Solving the sum of £50,000, John Grey, land agent, of Helensville, who was arrested in that town a weok ago under the name of A. B. Crouch, alias J. M. Cameron, was this morning granted hail in the sum of £6,000. ■ After bail had been granted, Grey waited in the prisoner’s room until his solicitor arranged the bail bonds. While therp he conversed with a number of Helensville friends who had come to Auckland to greet him. Accused w r as bailed by Arthur John Slkielton, nurseryman; Charles Stand and West, sawmillerj and Harold Philip McLeod, farmer, all of Helensville, each for £I,OOO.