A PRINCE OF IMPOSTORS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 95, 18 May 1909, Page 4

A PRINCE OF IMPOSTORS.

HIS REMARKABLE ADVENTURES. A mysterious Spanish "millionaire," who Hashed across Loudon like a meteor and vanished into space leaving ■behind him a trail of viut'uns bemoaning losses of thousands of pounds', was the central limine of an extraordinary drama which was unfolded on March 13th in the Law Courts. "No one kuows who he is or where he came from," Mr. Shearman, K.C., declared. "For all I know, he may have been a millionaire, as he said he was." * According to counsel, this man of mystery suddenly made his' appearance in the curly part of last year. He called himself Seuor Max George Peneraud,and said he was a Spanish banker, a member of Tattersall's, and au owner of racehorses.

His income, he declared, iwas £OOO a week, and as lie lived at Claridgc's Hotel at the rate of £IOO a week, and showed his friends jewellery of great value, everyone believed him.

illis first victims appear to have' been such acute business men as Hatton Garden diamond merchants. From them he oUtiincd jewels worth thousands of pounds, and these jewels seemed to have formed a large .part of his stock-in-trade.

lie next induced a .prominent diamond merchant to introduce him to .Mr. Jvewis Teller, 11 money-lender, who trades in Jeriuyn-strcet under the name of Lawrence, saying Ire wanted £2OO at once to pay a lacing debt. The merchant consented to sign a promissory note for him. The money was lent, and \va s repaid a month late. There, was a'characteristic incident in connection with this loan. Mr. Teller wished to charge £25 interest, but the "millionaire" would not agree to this.

. "Make it £2O, and I shall send the other £5 to Mic Loudon Hospital," he said, in his airy way, and it was afterwards found that lie had actually sent the money to the hospital. Then this prince of impostors brought Jlr, Teller tiaras' and bracelets and obtained a Toan of £ISOO on them. These were valued lata', and Tvere found to be worth only £I2OO. Mrs. Beatrice Welch, a "widow, was the next victim. Feneraud obtained from her a flat -at Queen's Gate, £3OOO worth of jewellery—in fact, almost all she possessed—oneouditionthat he allowed ker an annuuity.

He approached Mr. Teller once more, stilting that lie was paying Mrs. Welch £3OOO, and asked for an advance of £ISOO on the security of the furniture, and lease. He produced documents which were perfectly in order, and obtained £2250 in hard cash on a hill of s'alc and a mortgage. It was afterwards discovered that the flat was rack-rented, and that the mortgage was worthless. ISefoie vanishing Into space the Spaniard sent Mr. Teller a cheque, which was promptly dishonored. The only thing lie left behind was a lady, whom he had introduced to 51 r. Teller sis his wife.

Since his disappearance it. has been ascertained Hint lie cheated West of England jewellers as well as London merchants, and that almost «>very one whom he met had cause to regret the acquaintance.

The law heard concerned Mrs. Welch's furniture and plate. Mr. Teller claimed the .return of these, and asked for damages because Mrs. Welch had removed them from the flat. The. hearing was adjourned.