A Clerical swindler.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3756, 17 March 1891, Page 2

A Clerical swindler.

Some weeks ago the Rev C. Wright, late incumbent of St. Clement's Church, Marrickville, New South Wales, disappeared from his home. It was soon ascertained that he was in serious financial difficulties, and had resorted to some very questionable methods of raising money. He had victimised a bookseller.Jwho issued a warrant for him, and the police arrested him at .Newcastle. He had attempted to disguise himself by shaving off his beard and dressing himself in a blue serge suit. He had been sojourning at various lodging housesjn the city and district. While confessing to his guilt he broke down completely, and said he had been very miserable since he left Sydney. He had only a few shillings in the world, and had tried to go back to the parish, but his courage had always failed him. One of the cleverest of his swindles was perpetrated upon some money lenders in Sydney. On the pretext that the bishop was coming to stay with him for a day, he borrowed several good articles of furniture from the wealthier members of his congregation, and then, having arranged the furniture in his house, he exhibited it to the money lenders as securities on which he wished to raise a loan, The amount asked was not excessive considering the value of the furniture, and as soon as the money had been advanced he returned the borrowed articles to his parishoniers with a grateful note of thanks.