Port Molyneux 6 - Scandal!

And so it was that Port Molyneux and its wider area fell into what newspapers described as a "lethargy" — the years' activities, be they agricultural, recreational or of the tourist trade — ruled and defined by the changing of the seasons and the progression of the weather.  It was a lethargy only from time to time interrupted by the usual births, deaths, marriages; the usual comings and departures of a small town. 

With the coming of the South African War, Port Molyneux sent a son, Trooper Melville, as part of the Fourth New Zealand Contingent.  His safe return was an occasion for patriotic rejoicing and congratulation, once more in The Hall.

WELCOME TO TROOPER MELVILLE.

[From Our Own Correspondent.]

A welcome home concert and social was given to Trooper Melville(fourth contingent) on Wednesday evening, the 15th, in the Hall, Port Molyneux, on his safe return from active service in South Africa, Mr Wm. Wilson occupying the chair. The Hall which was crowded, was nicely decorated with flags, ferns, evergreens, flowers, and portraits of the different generals who have been and are commanding in the Transvaal. Trooper Melville who is a member of the C.M.R., was met by a few of his comrades of that corps, and headed by Sergeant-major Jackman, was escorted by them into the hall where he was received by the audience with ringing cheers. The chairman was supported on his right by the guest of the evening, and on his left by Sergeant-major Jackman. 

The Chairman, after welcoming the gallant Trooper, read the following address which is to be presented afterwards: — Trooper Melville: I have much pleasure in giving you a hearty welcome on behalf of the residents of Port Molyneux and the surrounding district on your safe return from active service in South Africa, and we would tender our congratulations to your family and friends on the auspicious event. In the beginning of last year the war clouds lowered over the British forces in the Transvaal. The mother country appealed to the colonies for help, and we all know how loyally the appeal was responded to in a few weeks. Three contingents followed each other in quick succession to the front. Early in March it was decided to send out a fully equipped contingent of Rough Riders. At that time you were in Central Otago, but the news soon spread that you had volunteered, and it acted on the district like a spark which set our latent patriotism all aglow. A meeting was convened and steps taken to provide your equipment. At the second meeting more than ample means had been collected for the project. Where all vied with each other it is almost invidious to particularise, but if there was one more enthusiastic than another it was our late friend and neighbour, Mr Wylie who acted as treasurer to the fund. His enthusiasm seemed for the time to dispel the trouble which was gradually wearing him down and I am sure had he been spared none would have given you a more hearty welcome on your return, but things were ordered otherwise. The enthusiasm evinced was evidence that we had confidence in you as a man that you would act your part bravely and well and I am pleased to say our confidence was not misplaced. We know you did your duty, for has not the Empire proclaimed it with no uncertain sound. You were placed in the balance as it were against the tried and trusted battalions of the mother country, and found not wanting. Born under the Southern Cross you have proved yourselves worthy sons of worthy sires, true Britons of the Antipodes. In our joy at your return we would not forget the boys who so recently have left our midst to fill the vacancies made by your retirement. We would wish them God Speed, and a safe return. 

Sergeant-Major Jackman, in supporting the address, spoke in very flattering terms of the abilities and strict attention to duly of Trooper Melville whilst in the corps. Trooper Melville very feelingly returned thanks for the hearty welcome extended to him,

Mr and Mrs P. Tulloch opened the concert with a musical selections on the violin and piano, the latter instrument being gratuitously lent for the occasion by Mr W. Carrick. The following ladies and gentlemen with their usual ability assisted to make the concert a success:- Misses Cramond and Gregg, Messrs J. Bates, J. Wright, M. Jackman, A. Jenkinson, and Dicksons. A vote of thanks to the chairman, by Mr Stodart, brought the concert to a successful conclusion.

A plentiful supply of tea, sandwiches, and cake (supplied gratuitously by the ladies of the district) was handed round and heartily enjoyed by all, and the hall having been cleared, dancing was commenced. The grand march, in which 30 couples joined, was led off by Trooper Melville and Mrs M. Jackman. Dancing was kept in full swing until 2 a.m., when refreshments were again handed round and done ample justice to. Dancing was again resumed, and, interspersed with songs, was kept up until 3.30 a.m. After the usual vote of thanks, all dispersed highly pleased with their night's enjoyment. We must give a word of praise to the Messrs Dickson for the way in which they handled their instruments viz., the mandolins.  -Clutha Leader, 25/1/1901.

Otago Witness, 5/6/1901.

The Port's comfortable "lethargy" survived the excitement of the War.  The annual January picnicking and sports, the soirees at The Hall, planting and harvesting, all continued as normal in the new century.  The River took and returned its customary quota of bodies, drowned some by accident, some deliberately.  Being an area of Prohibition, there were a number of "sly-grogging" cases and a case or two of drunkenness, an effect of the drink seeming to be the erasure of any memory of the drinks' origins.

WEDDING AT NUGGET BAY.

REDWOOD-OTTAWAY. 

A wedding that was the centre of a great amount of interest was celebrated at the picturesque residence of Mr and Mrs George Ottaway, at Nugget Bay, on Wednesday afternoon. The bride's parents are old and wellknown residents of the beach, and a large gathering of neighbours and  friends from far and near accepted the invitations, and were present on the festive occasion. The bridegroom was Mr Leonard Percival Carol Redwood, third son of the late P. C. Redwood, of Hamilton, Auckland, where the bridegroom's mother now resides. The bride was Miss Agnes Ottaway, second daughter of Mr and Mrs Ottaway, a young lady who is very popular with all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance. The ceremony took place in the large drawing-room, and was conducted by Rev. G. C. Blathwayt, assisted by the Rev. A. M. Dalrymple, M.A. The bride was given away by her father. The ceremony was a bright one, and was carried out in the orthodox manner. In connection with the ceremony, music suitable to the occasion was ably played on the piano. 

The wedding party were afterwards entertained at a sumptuous repast in a large marquee erected on the grounds. The marquee was a commodious one, being 40ft by 26ft, and afforded ample accommodation for the 100 or so guests who sat down at the three big tables and one cross table. The breakfast was superb, laid out in first-class style, and well served. After the good things had been done ample justice to there was a short toast list. The Rev. Mr Dalrymple proposed the toast of "The King," and this being loyally honoured, he proposed the toast of "The Bride and Bridegroom." He spoke in high terms of the bride, and referred to the fact that Mr and Mrs Ottaway had no less than 11 grandchildren seated at the table — ''a very pretty sight." — (Applause). "Health, happiness and prosperity to the newly married couple" was the toast. This was received with musical honours and the bridegroom suitably and briefly responded, advising the young people present to "go and do likewise." The Rev. Mr Blathwayt, at the request of the bridegroom, proposed the health of the bridesmaids, which toast was acknowledged by Mr Rowley. Mr Malcolm, M.P., proposed the toast of the Parents of the Bride, and read several telegrams and letters of apology, amongst them a characteristic and appropriate letter from Mr Jas. Christie of Milton, and one from the bridegroom's mother, who much regretted her inability to be present. Her daughter was getting married the same day at the same hour to a young man who had to leave immediately to take up a position in America, and in consequence that wedding could not be postponed. She looked forward, however, with pleasure to visiting Nugget Bay in about a fortnight's time and meeting her son and his wife. Proceeding, Mr Malcolm said Mr and Mrs Ottaway were known far and near throughout the district for their generous hospitality and their treatment of visitors that day was in keeping with what they practised through life. — (Applause). He paid a tribute to the way in which Mr and Mrs Ottaway had brought up a large family of sons and daughters, and he hoped the two unmarried sons would soon follow the example set them that day. He hoped that Mr and Mrs Ottaway would enjoy long life and every happiness and that they would live to celebrate a happy golden wedding. The toast was heartily received, and Mr Ottaway returned thanks for the kind things said. Mr D. B. Sievwright recited and sang a most appropriate Scotch song. Mr D. H. Rakiraki proposed the toast of the officiating ministers, which concluded a pleasant gathering. 

The presents were numerous and valuable, and made a display that was greatly admired. They comprised the following, taking them as they came: Oak and silver biscuit barrel, travelling bag, pair handsome vases, case cutlery, china tea-set, cheese dish, 2 silver tea-pots, breakfast, dinner and two egg cruets, silver and cut glass cave dishes, case butter knives and jelly spoons, pickle jar, oak and silver salad bowl and server, napery, linen, case serviette rings, handsome table lamp, ornaments, silver and cut glass butter and jelly dishes, silver tea pot, flower vases, two silver toast racks, set irons, crystal jugs, glasses, oil painting, several pictures, handsome carved tray, tea cosey, cushions, sweets dishes, hymn and prayer book, handsome case silver backed toilet brushes and mirror, case cutlery, salts and peppers, tea tray, butter cooler, cabinet sewing machine, large glass cruet, case silver spoons, fancy work, carvers, water jugs, gold bangle, silver toilet requisites, and a host of other things. 

The bride, who looked very handsome, wore a beautiful cream silk taffetas, empire style, with French knots and lace insertion. She wore the orthodox veil and carried a lovely shower bouquet. The bridesmaids were Miss Anna Kennedy and Miss Lexie Kennedy, of Dunedin, who looked very pretty, and wore white embroidered India muslin. Eight little girls, nieces of the bride, also attended the bridal party, and looked very nice in white mousseline with blue bows. The bridegroom was attended by Mr Herbert Rowley (Dunedin) and Mr Wm. Ottaway. Mrs Ottaway, mother of the bride, wore a handsome black reseda trimmed with black lace. The bride's travelling dress was a prune-coloured costume, with white hat and flowers to match costume. The bridegroom's present to the bride was a handsome dressing case with silver-mounted requisites. To the Misses Kennedy he made presents of gold bangles, and to each of the little  (words omitted) silver-mounted walking stick. 

In the evening a large party were entertained at a dance in the marquee, which by the way was splendidly floored with T and G flooring. The dance was ably directed by Mr Tom Potiki and Mr Tait (piano), and Mr Carrick (violin) supplied first-class music. The newly-married couple were present at the dance, which was kept up with vigour till about 4 o'clock. The dancing room was decorated with flags and Chinese lights, while four acetylene gas lights manipulated by Mr J. W. Mitchell, of Balclutha, produced a brilliant effect. Abundance of refreshments were supplied several times during the evening. The honeymoon trip will probably include a visit to Australia, but they will probably remain in the district till Mrs Redwood, sen., comes south. A handsome wedding carriage was brought down from Dunedin specially for the occasion.  -Clutha Leader, 23/4/1909.

The wedding feast.  Inset - presumably the Ottaway house.  Hocken Library photo.

All very nice — a seaside wedding with plenty of dancing afterwards.  But Mr Percy Redwood was not at all what he seemed to be.  Newspapers up and down New Zealand carried the sensational news of the wedding's sequel — none with more gusto than that paragon of Kiwiland journalism, the New Zealand Truth:

AMY THE AMAZING!

The Champion Female Crook of the Century. 

HER CRIMINAL CAREER IN GOD'S OWN COUNTRY. 

A Woman's Wicked Way's Earns Her Years of Imprisonment. 

MORE ABOUT HER MARRIAGE WITH MISS OTTAWAY. 

"The Ring," "The Bridegroom," and "Mrs Redwood " Honored. 

AMY BOCK, ETC.. ETC., BEFORE THE DUNEDIN POLICE COURT.

New Zealand, despite Joe Ward's policy-speech and his turn-coatism on Public Service reform has found considerable time to discuss "Percy C. Redwood" or Amy Bock, or the various aliases under which she has travelled during the years she has been m this country, and not exactly strange to relate quite a number of those years have been spent in prison in various parts of New Zealand as the following record indubitably shows: — 

She first came under the notice of the police at Oamaru 22 years ago, when she was charged with false pretences, and was arrested by Detective O'Brien, now inspector of the police force in Otago. The accused was convicted and discharged. Her late record reads: 

At Dunedin on April 11, 1888, sentenced to two years' imprisonment for false pretences.

At Christchurch, on April 25, 1889, sentenced to six months on each of two charges of false pretences, the sentences to be concurrent. 

At Timaru, on April 24, 1893, under the name of Bunel, sentenced to six months' imprisonment for larceny.

At Oamaru, where she had given the name of Lang, on January 19, 1894, sentenced to four months for false pretences. 

At Dunedin, on September 21, 1895, three months for false pretences. 

At Wellington, on March 12, 1903, where she had been passing under the name of Bennett, two charges of false pretences, sentenced to two years' imprisonment on one and six months on the other. 

At Christchurch, under the name of Channel, sentenced to three years for forgery. The prisoner was discharged on May 31,1907. 

Discharged from prison on May 31, 1907, Amy the amiable has had almost two years of liberty, and how she spent that, time can only be surmised. Suffice it, however, to say that during those less than two years 

HER CRIMINAL GENIUS HAS MANIFESTED ITSELF 

in various directions. Indeed, now that it seems that this almost unnatural, perhaps perverted female, is in the toils the truth, and even more than the truth, has leaked out about her. Tin-pot villages, all in the South Island, of whose existence we hitherto practically knew nought, have dished up some recollection of Amy what time she resided in this or that village. She has, at anyrate, not only succeeded in setting the villagers gossiping, but New Zealand is gasping and asking how such a thing could possibly be, and even the stolid, clean, respectable, conservative, corrupt and capitalist press, has unbended and has made, and is making the most of the sensation though, of course, in an eminently "respectable" sort of way. 

Of Amy Bock and her adventures there is a great deal to tell, and even the fact of her appearance m the Dunedin Police Court to answer all sorts of charges won't silence the gossips. Her age has been variously stated. Some credit her with being 48, but 40 would seem to be nearer the mark. About five feet in height, she is only a handful, and is said to have come from Victoria, where, at the age of 13, she began her career as a pupil teacher. But all this has been told before, and what has not been told of this woman is difficult indeed to say. She's been everything. She's been a Salvation Army lass; she has even worked, in what capacity we do not know, in an Ashburton newspaper office. She has been a "gentleman's" housekeeper, she's been a domestic servant, everything, gaol-bird included. 

How Amy Bock came to be arrested, how the "demons" got on to her track has not apparently been told, but this much seems to be the case. An individual named Kennedy recently called at the Dunedin Police Station with the information that he suspected that down at Nuggets an impostor was having full play, rooking everybody right and left. One thing led to another. Kennedy was shown a photograph of Amy Bock and without hesitation he reckoned it looked like Mr P. C. Redwood, who was, it must be remarked, passing "himself" off as, 

A NEPHEW OF ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD. 

How 'Tec Hunt got his name in all the papers through arresting Amy has already been told. When Amy was "pinched" there was found in "his," or her, possession a letter stamped and ready to be posted and signed Frances Redwood (Percy's supposed mother) and addressed to Mr Berti, of the Albion Hotel, Wellington. It was written, under date, April 22, and set forth that she (Mrs Redwood) would be stopping at the Albion and enclosed the following telegram which she asked should be sent to her son at the Nuggets: 

Carol Redwood, Nuggets. Meet us at Lyttelton Friday. — Mother. 

The following is a copy of one of the letters that Mrs Ottaway (mother of the "bride") received from Mrs Redwood: — 

Dear Mrs Ottaway, — I have received a letter from my dear son saying he wishes to marry your daughter. I have not the pleasure of knowing her, but I am sure she is all my boy says she is, or he would not love her, as he tells me he does, and as I hope and trust she will ,be loving and good...I suppose Carol has told of his having been once engaged before, but it was some years ago, and it was merely a boy and girl affair. The dear girl was drowned some 12 years ago, and Carol has never thought of anyone else till now. 

In another letter 'the mother' writes to 'her darling boy' apologising for not being able to attend the wedding on account of her daughter being married the same day, and Stating: "We shall be with you in spirit, as you will be with us, and our ceremony shall be at 3 o'clock, as yours will be. I will go down with them as far as Wellington, where they take boat for Sydney, leaving there the following week for America. I shall then go on to the Nuggets and remain with Mrs Ottaway to wait your return from Melbourne." In the same letter 'Mrs Redwood' states that the members of his club had presented him with a beautiful dinner service, and mentioned other presents given by friends. The cabman who was engaged to drive the pair from the Nuggets to Dunedin is sorry the day he met 'Mr Percy Redwood,' who he reckons owes him £30. Cabbie left Dunedin fall of hope and prospects, and after a three days' journey reached the Nuggets, 

BUT THE GAME WAS UP 

by this time, and he had to return to Dunedin a sadder but a wiser man. 

A Balclutha tradesman with an account of £10 called on 'Mr Redwood' at the Nuggets and asked for payment. "Can you change £100 note?" asked the wealthy Redwood. "No," replied the astonished tradesman. "Well, then, I will see if Mr Ottaway can change it," and away Redwood went to see Mr Ottaway. The latter, who like all the others never had the slightest suspicion as to the genuineness of his future son-in-law, handed him £10 with which to pay the account, and 'Redwood,' pocketing the money, coolly informed the tradesman that Mr Ottaway could not change the £100 note, but that he would be in Balclutha the following day, when he would pay him. 

Accused, when arrested, was wearing a gold medal with the inscription "Presented to Percy C. Redwood by his friends." This, it has been learnt, was purchased by accused when travelling from Dunedin to the Nuggets by train. In the endeavour to do the right thing by "his bride," "Percy Redwood" actually, in addition to an endeavour to insure certain property which he did not possess, wanted to insure his life, as the following correspondence will show: — 

A.M.P. Society, Auckland, February 18, 1909. The District Secretary, Dunedin. Dear Sir, — I enclose herewith a copy of a letter received from a probable proponent named Percy C. Redwood. Kindly endeavour to effect an assurance as early as possible...

The Balclutha "Free Press" tells another story of how Amy was bowled out. It declares that before her marriage to Miss Ottaway on Wednesday last all sorts of rumours were afloat as to the supposedly wealthy 'P. C. Redwood' not being entirely what he represented himself to be. These were caused in the first place by the visit on the Tuesday before the marriage festivity to the Nuggets of Mr A. E. Irwin, of the well-known legal firm of Irwin and Irwin, Dunedin, a lawyer's clerk representing Moore, Moore, and Nicol, and the traveller for a jewellery house from whom the festive Redwood had obtained some £120 worth of jewellery. 

The story of Amy Bock's arrest is thus told by the Clutha "Leader": — "On Saturday morning last certain rumours came to the police ears about P. C. Redwood at Nugget Bay. There was the story of the letters, the rich friends, the sheep run, etc., and the successful raising of money. Detective Hunt, on hearing the tale, immediately made up his mind that it was the long lost Amy Bock, in a new guise. He had not seen her for over 15 years, but her history and style were well-known to him, and he lost no time m making his way to the scene of her latest exploits. Coming down to Balclutha by the evening express on Saturday, he and Constable Lopdell drove off for Nugget Bay on Sunday morning. They found "Mr Redwood" was at home. The detective was armed with a warrant in respect of the £30 she got from Ellis by false pretences. Mr Redwood was upstairs. In response to a message that someone wanted to see him, Mr Redwood came downstairs with a pipe in his mouth. 

THE DETECTIVE RECOGNISED "HIM" AT ONCE, 

stepped forward and accosted him as Mr Redwood. There is no reason to believe that Mr Redwood yet knew the detective. They both retired to a private room. Detective Hunt revealed his identity, and Amy made a clean breast of everything. She pleaded guilty. After lunch at Mrs Ottaway's, Constable Lopdell drove a short distance along the beach on the way to Balclutha with Amy (still "Mr Redwood") in the buggy, while Detective Hunt communicated the facts of the case to Mr Ottaway. The three of them arrived in Balclutha about a quarter-past five, and once more the long-lost Amy was in the hands of the law. The news that "Mr Redwood" had been arrested spread rapidly throughout the town, and was the source of interesting conversation amongst interested groups all the evening. For "Mr Redwood," as such, had made history during his three months' sojourn at Nuggets Bay, and everybody had heard of him. But no one had the least inkling that Mr Redwood, the bridegroom of last week, was none other than a woman, the notorious Amy Bock, in man's attire. Not till the publication of our "Extra" yesterday morning did the public have any knowledge that the subject of their interest was a woman masquerading as a man. The detective took her down to Dunedin yesterday morning, and there she will have to answer the charge already preferred against her, and also, we understand, another charge, or perhaps more, that has been awaiting her discovery for some time. 

The "Leader" also says: — When Amy Bock left Dunedin on the 7th of January last she succeeded in covering up all traces of her identity by adopting male attire. She arrived at Nugget Bay early in January, and as Percy Redwood, gave out that he was a nephew of Archbishop Redwood, that he had been in bad health, that he had recently come from Australia, and that he was recuperating, His father was dead, but his mother was alive and residing at Hamilton, and that she was very well off. He himself had plenty of money, and he "flashed" it about in a manner that impressed everybody. Sundry letters came — all typewritten — ostensibly from his mother, and these went to show that he had an income of £150 a year, that he was to "come into" something like £2000 or £3000. His diminutive appearance and feminine voice caused remark, but his reported spell of ill-health, combined with the report that he 

HAD DONE SOME HORSE-RACING

in his time and was somewhat of a jockey, and the reassuring letters and pocketful of money all nipped suspicion m the bud. He made one or two trips to Dunedin, succeeded in raising more money, carried on great style and lived in the most open and happy way possible. He was lavish with his presents, and his manner was charming; he, was delightful company — played the piano, sang, and was a bright conversationalist. Not till a trip to Dunedin failed to raise any more money was an unkind word said. Certain sheep and horses that he had on some station or another failed to materialise, though he gave minute descriptions of the brand and earmark. It was whispered, too, that his mother did not possess the wealth he gave out. Things took an awkward turn during the last 10 days, but he made out that it "would all be explained." He brought a beautiful carriage from, Dunedin, for his wedding, and had planned a trip to Sydney and Melbourne. But his pockets were empty and he found himself land locked at Nugget Bay. The story of the wedding need not be repeated. He acted a part and acted it well. He responded to the toast of his health and that of his mother in faultless style. During the latter period everyone had an idea some development was impending. But what the nature of it was to be no one conceived. The remark was made more than once last week, that he was very like a woman. "He has the voice of a woman and the hands of a woman, but his feet are those of a man," said Mr Malcolm the day after the wedding. And others made similar remarks, but there it ended and people waited for another change in the setting of the picture. 

THE FINAL ACT WAS SENSATIONAL 

and altogether unexpected even by a public that was prepared for anything. No doubt if he had succeeded in raising the wind the last time he was in Dunedin, he would have set off on a royal tour, said good-bye to his Clutha friends for ever, and the location of Amy Bock would still have been a missing number in the police files. 

'Tec. Hunt, who arrested Amy, had not seen her for 15 years. At that time he was a mounted constable in Oamaru, but he knew her manner and methods, came to a quick decision and acted without hesitation. If he had heard the story a week or two before he would have acted as promptly. The last time Amy had been in trouble was two years ago. She was seven months with the Roys. She is described by a private individual who has known her as a "woman who is fit to take her place in any society." She is a most temperate woman, but had to act the man at Nugget Bay. She smoked a cigarette and sometimes a pipe, and to play her part took seven whiskies the day of the wedding, and these, she says, "nearly killed her." 

Perhaps, however, the piece de resistance of the whole comedy, or drama, or romance, or whatever it can be called, is to be found in an account of the wedding at Nuggets, as written by the village reporter for the "Balclutha Free Press." It is as follows, and to comment on it would be to rob the account of its charm: —  -NZ Truth, 5/8/1909.

Presumably, the "Free Press" account is very similar to that of the "Clutha Leader," above.

As you can imagine, the exploits of Amy Bock as "Percy Redwood" sold out newspaper editions the length of New Zealand.  As you can also imagine, poor Nessie and her family would have been greatly embarrassed by the attention.  A court sequel at Dunedin was necessary in order to have the marriage lawfully annulled.  The NZ Truth, of course, milked it for all the entertainment value it could:

 A BOCK-SING MATCH.

It's of Amy Bock I'm going now tae sing, Like a Hielander, Miss Amy's had her fling ; 

And, while talking of the Hieland, Amy's shown us quite New Zealand

 Ingenuity, as member of the "ring." 

Amy Bock (a "miss" she is) sought, a "good catch," And a plot at once she started out to hatch; 

And, just after Dick (of Deadwood),  She a "match" made (one of Redwood) 

Yes, a "tinder" kind of flame, she struck a match.

She determined at all costs she wouldn't fail, That all previous expeditions, too, must pale,

Was, in short, of the opinion, She could fool the whole Dominion,

Wearing, like a knight of old, a suit of "male."

On Miss Ottaway "Mr" Redwood's eyes did drop, And he, gallant-like, upon his knees did flop, 

For, of girls, he'd all the rest shun; So he straightway put the question, 

"And — well, that's to say, he really went off "pop." 

"Mr" Redwood his love making soon got through, Getting married (thought 'twas proper so to do), For a moment never faltered, Thought his bride's ways should altar'd, 

And so thus he sought fresh woods and Pastors new. 

So proceedings very soon he put in train, Though 'tis hard to see what object he could, gain; 

And he didn't do it badly, Didn't even take on sadly, 

Seeing, after all, it was a bridle-reign. 

But eventually a heap of trouble brewed, And Redwood, he no longer billed and cooed—

'Bout this Redwood "with the boodle" There was something humptidoodle, 

Thought, alas! a lass who he had so lassooed. 

"Mr" Redwood every sort of scheme had planned, And accomplished, in a manner underhand;

In the church he cut a dash, Thinking, p'raps, he'd, "surplice" cash, 

Yes, and thus it was that Redwood beat the bann'd. 

But, alack alas! for short and wedded bliss, To say nothing of the sweetest nectar's kiss, 

"Mr" Redwood was no hemale, "Mr" Redwood was a shemale, 

And then everyone knew something was amiss. 

Amy Bock, who thus the law had so defied, By detectives she was collared, and was tried, 

And by no means she's enraptured, Seeing, by the cops she's captured, 

Through this altar'd-noose we find a beau is tied. 

And of Amy Bock, the girl of whom I sing. One who didn't, do just quite the proper thing, 

Now, with sorrow she is laden, For they've clapped in quod this maiden, 

And we've now two "belles" with but a single "ring." 

For the present, then, "Ta-ta" to Amy Bock, She who gave to old New Zealand such a shock, 

By her shamelessness and capers, Every one, except the papers, 

Have now down in the Dominion lost their block.

There are none on Amy Bock who are a patch, In her catlike movements, coming to the scratch, 

And, midst all the caterwaling, There'll be "Time !" for Amy, calling, 

After all, you see; it is a Bock-sing match. -Sydney; "Sportsman"  -NZ Truth, 12/6/1909.

ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE

Everything comes to him (or her) who waits. The average person who expressed an opinion on Amy Bock's "bride," reckoned that she would have a good long while to wait. And yet the Southern papers record that Miss Ottaway, who, it will be remembered was the bride in the famous Amy Book case, has been married to a Mr. Thos. Gilmour. The bridegroom is said to be a widower, with a family.  -Free Lance, 23/4/1910.

Thomas died eight years later.  Agnes married for a third (or second) time — she became the wife of Kenneth Campbell, MM, who built her a house close to the Ottaway Family establishment.

More of Amy Bock's life can be found here...

Chapter 7 - Holidays and Wars.  Link here.