The Curious Career of the Amazing Amy

"Percy Redwood," 1909.  Hocken Library photo.

WEDDED.

Redwood—Ottaway

"Albion House," Nugget Bay, Port Molyneux, the residence of Mr and Mrs Geo. Ottaway, was en fete on Wednesday on the occasion of the marriage of their youngest daughter Nessie to Mr P. CJ. Redwood, of Auckland. The weather was all that heart could desire. Beach, hill, and bush were seen at their best, and one can easily understand why in the summer and the autumn the Nugget Bay boarding-houses are much affected by couples honeymooning. The balmy breeze was full of the odors of flowers, and the sun's reflections from sand and sea made up a bright picture peculiar to a late autumn day in these southern latitudes. As the festal hour approached neighbors and friends from a distance began to roll in until there were upwards of 100 guests present. The ceremony took place within the house, and was conducted by the Rev. G. Calvert Blathwayt (Anglican), Rev. A. M. Dalrymple (Presbyterian) assisting. 

The bride looked lovely in a dress of cream silk taffeta made in Empire style, with silk lace insertion and French knots. She wore, besides, the usual long veil and orange blossom and carried a lovely bouquet. As she faced the clergymen beside her betrothed to receive the ring which is the symbol of requited love, she was the cynosure of all eyes. She was attended by no less than ten bridesmaids, the principal maids being Misses Anna and Lexie Kennedy (Dunedin), who were prettily attired in dresses of Indian embroidered muslin. They wore gold bracelets, gifts from the bridegroom. The others were little girls, nieces of the bride, dressed in white mousseline, adorned with blue hows, and wearing round their necks gold chains, with lockets attached, gifts from the bridegroom. The bride's mother was handsomely dressed in black Riselda, trimmed with silk lace; Mrs Bell (a sister), green costume, pink silk vest ; Mrs Kayner (another sister of the bride), plum colored costume with flowered silk vest. Mr Redwood was supported by Mr Will Ottawav and Mr Herbert Rowley. The ceremony over, the bridal party left the room to the strains of Mendelssohn's Wedding March, played by Miss Graham. Nearby on a gentle slope facing the beach a large marquee had been erected to accommodate the guests for the wedding feast. This was no Arcadian repast such as old Omar Kayyam loved — "a loaf of bread . . . a flask of wine. . . and Thou" — but a feast to suit the palate of the epicure, washed down with the sparkling vintage of Reims, champagne which had been nine years in cellar. Toasts usual on such an occasion followed, the Rev. Mr Dalrymple proposing, "The King" and also "The Bride and Bridegroom." He commented on the circumstance of there being eleven grandchildren of the worthy host and hostess seated at the tables, and said all were glad to welcome Mr Redwood who came among them as a stranger, but he was quite satisfied that the union would be a happy one if it was in Mr Redwood's power to make it. As for the bride, they knew she was just about perfection, and it gave him great pleasure to wish the young couple health, happiness, and prosperity.—(Applause.) Mr Redwood having suitably replied,. Rev. Mr Blathwayt proposed "The Bridesmaids," Mr Rowley acknowledging the toast. Mr Malcolm, M.P., read a number of apologies from persons who expressed regret at being unable to attend. One of these was Mrs Redwood, mother of the groom, who wrote from Hamilton (Waikato) that a daughter was being married the same day, hence her inability to come south. Mr Malcolm then made a few happy remarks relative to the subjects of the toast, Mr and Mrs Ottaway. He spoke highly of their wellknown reputation for hospitality. In this splendid entertainment they were only carrying out their rule formed for the treatment, of their guests. The occasion would probably cause their thoughts to stray to their own nuptial day, but he (the speaker) understood their golden wedding day was approaching, so they would be able to have it all over again. — (Laughter and applause.) They had brought up a family which was a credit to them. The speaker gave the bridegroom some good advice, the gist of which was to hand the management of affairs over to his partner when in doubt, and concluded by expressing the wish that every happiness that God found good might be their lot. 

Mr D. B. Sievwright sang a bridal song of his own composition. Then Mr Ottaway made fitting response to the kind remarks of Mr Malcolm. Mr D. Rakatipu proposed "The Clergy" and Mr Blathwayt responded. The concluding toast was that of Mrs Redwood, senr., proposed by Mr Malcolm. In the evening an enjoyable dance was held in the marquee, which had a splendid wooden floor erected for the occasion. Some forty couples participated in the dance, to the music provided by Mr J. L. Tait (piano) and Mr W. Carrick (violin). Quite a large number of presents were received by the young couple. The groom's gift to the bride was. a set of silver-backed brushes, and the bride's to the groom a silver-mounted umbrella and walking-stick.  -NZ Truth, 8/5/1909.

The Ottaway-Redwood wedding feast.  Inset, presumably the Ottaway's accomodation house.  Alexander Turnbull Library photo.

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 in 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 gossipping, 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 this 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 in 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, — l 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 full 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. Yours faithfully, — , District Secretary. 

Nuggets, Port Molyneux, February 16, 1909. Sir,— Could you issue a policy in my favour while I am resident here? I shall be residing in Auckland during the latter part of the present year, but would like to insure my life in your office as soon as possible. An early reply, will oblige. Kindly address to me, care of Geo. Ottaway, Esq., Nuggets, Port Molyneux. Yours truly, Percy C. Redwood. 

On receipt of the letter and enclosure Mr Stock forwarded all the necessary information to the Nuggets, together with a table of premiums. Later he received the subjoined letter: — 

Nuggets, Port Molyneux, March 22, 1909. The Manager A.M.P. Insurance, Dunedin. Dear Sir, — Pardon my not replying to your memo, before, but I have been ill, and so not able to attend to any business. Re effecting policy on my life, as advised you per manager of your Auckland branch, I shall be in town just about Easter week, and will call. Yours very truly, P. C. Redwood. 

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 rumors 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 rumors 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 in 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 in 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 :—  (see above - GBC)

"A sketch of Amy Bock in dock"  About 1909, Hocken Library photo.

Amy Bock - "HER CRIMINAL CAREER IN GOD'S OWN COUNTRY:"

False Pretences,—Amy Moreton, alias Amy Bock (who appeared to feel her position keenly) was charged with obtaining £1 and 12s in tickets from the Rev. Lloyd Seating by false pretences on May 4. Sergeant Pratt applied for a remand to Thursdays as the arrest had only been made the previous evening, and a witness was required. The Rev. Lloyd Keating, who was in court, was permitted to make a statement, and said he had only brought the case as a warning to such persons as the accused. He had no desire to press it, and would withdraw the charge. Sergeant Pratt said it was necessary there should be an investigation, into the matter, which was an indictable offence, but it could be brought under the Vagrant Act if the remand were granted. Remanded to Thursday, and bail granted, the accused in her own recognisances of £10, and one surety of £10.  -New Zealand Herald, 14/5/1885.

LAW AND POLICE

False Pretences.—Amy Moreton, alias Amy Bock, on remand from Wednesday, surrendered to her bail on the charge of obtaining, by false pretences, £1 and 12s in tickets from Rev. Lloyd Keating on May 4. On the application of Serjeant Gamble this was withdrawn, and the case laid under the Police Offences Act, by obtaining from Rev. Lloyd Keating the same by verbal imposition with intent to defraud. The accused applied for an adjournment to obtain counsel. Sergeant Gamble opposed, as ample time had elapsed to do so. The charge was put to the bottom of the sheet and Mr. Theo. Cooper appeared in her behalf. The Rev. Lloyd Keating deposed that the accused had called at his house on May 4, and said she wanted 12s worth of tickets for the Waitemata Minstrels, and he gave her 18s worth. She also said she wanted £1 for Miss Makin, a Sunday-school teacher at Northcote, who was pressed for money. It was given to her at once. The witness was allowed to make a statement. Upon representations made to him it had been shown to him that the accused was not sound in her mind, and that she had no control of herself in this thing. He had only done this to act as a warning to her for the rest of her life. He had no desire to go further with the case. Lily Machin, residing at Northcote, said she had not sent the accused to Mr. Keating or authorised her to get the money. She was a fellow passenger with her from Australia upon one occasion. She had been driven out to Onehunga by the accused, who then behaved as if she was not quite right in her mind by driving her out without a reason. For the defence Mr. Cooper contended that it was not a case which required the sentence of the Court, as it was quite evident the accused was not responsible for her acts, as he would show in evidence, if necessary. Rev. W, Calder, incumbent of All Saints, Ponsonby, deposed, that he had known the accused for three weeks. His candid opinion was that she could not distinguish between right and wrong. He had bailed her out the previous day. Sergeant Gamble then stated that a storekeeper in Ponsonby was willing to employ the accused, and the Bench said, under the circumstances, they would discharge the accused, and dismissed the case.   NZ Herald, 15/5/1885.

MAGISTERIAL.

MAGISTRATE'S COURT. 
CHRISTCHURCH. This Day. (Before E. Westenra and H. J. Hall Esqs.) 

False Pretences. — Amy Bock alias Laing, was accused, on remand, of obtaining goods value £7 9s lOd, from G. L. Beath and Co. by false pretences, on April 15 last. Mr Joyce appeared for accused, who was respectably dressed, and though frequently referred to as a young woman during the hearing of the case, she had the appearance of being prematurely aged. Inspector Pender called H. J. Gahagan, an assistant at G. L. Beath and Co.'s, drapers, Christchurch, who said accused came to the shop on April 13 instant, and gave him a list of draperies (produced). She said the goods were for Mr Whitefoord, of Kaiapoi. She gave the address, "Miss Laing, care of Mr Whitefoord, Kaiapoi," and asked that the goods might be sent to the railway station. This was done but it was found out very soon that Mr Whitefoord knew nothing about the matter. Constable McCormack, stationed at Lyttelton, said he went to Wellington and arrested accused there on April 23. She was in company with another woman, who was carrying a parcel which belonged to accused and contained a dress (produced), which was evidently part of the goods she had obtained from Beath and Co. Accused said, in answer to the constable when he charged her, "Yes, I did it; it was Mr Haxell's fault." Caleb Whitefoord, Resident Magistrate of Kaiapoi, said he had never seen accused before, and had never authorised her to obtain goods from Beath and Co. The list produced was not in his handwriting, or in that of any person in his employment. In answer to the usual question, whether she would be dealt with summarily or not, accused pleaded guilty. Mr Joyce called H. N. Haxell, hotelkeeper, Lyttelton, who deposed that he had known accused as a school-teacher in Victoria, where her health broke down from over work, and she suffered from brain fever. Lately he had engaged her as governess for his children, and a few weeks ago she had been very excited in her manner. She had told him she had come in for some money, which her uncle was keeping for her. He thought she was labouring under an hallucination, and on telegraphing to her father, witness received a reply that there was no truth in her statement, and she must be wandering in her mind. She had left her situation abruptly. If accused was discharged he would undertake to send her to her parents. Mr Joyce addressed the Bench on behalf of his client, urging that the case was one for mercy, as apparently the accused was not responsible for her actions. Inspector Pender said the accused had been convicted of a similar offence in Auckland. The Bench considered the prisoner had been knowingly guilty of a criminal act, and sentenced her to one month's hard labour.   -Star, 30/4/1886.

Detective Chrystal arrested a young woman named Amy Bock late this afternoon for having obtained goods to the value of 14s 6d from (Mr. Clark, draper, Lambton quay.   Evening Post, 11/7/1887.

FALSE REPRESENTATION. 
Amy Bock, on remand from the previous day, was charged with obtaining goods from W. Clark, draper, to the value of 14s 6d, by means of false representation. Mr Pownall, who appeared for the accused, stated that he had decided to enter a plea of non compos mentis on her behalf. He wished for a remand in order that the accused might be examined by a medical man. She was suffering from a mania, the effects of which had caused her mother to be placed in the Melbourne Lunatic Asylum, where she died. His Worship decided,to let the case stand over till next day. Bail was again fixed at one surety of £25.   -NZ Times, 14/7/1887.

A CLEVER IMPOSTOR.

MANY TRADESPEOPLE IMPOSED ON.

At the City Police Court this morning Amy Maud Bock, a young woman of genteel appearance, was charged with having, on the 31st ult., at Kensington, by means of false pretences, obtained from Peter Dutton, chemist, a quantity of smelling salts, perfumery, violet powder, etc., of the value of LI 9s 6d, with intent to defraud. Prisoner pleaded guilty. 

From what transpired in evidence, and from inquiries subsequently made, we learn that the prisoner was remanded to the Look-out Point Industrial School from Wellington in July last for the space of six months under the First Offenders Probation Act. At Wellington she had obtained money and goods to a considerable amount by means of false pretences, but the authorities, not knowing that she had previously been convicted of like deceptions in Christchurch, did not oppose the case being dealt with under the First Offenders Act. On the steamer’s arrival at Port Chalmers she was met by the officer in charge there, and to him she told so plausible a story of her unfortunate position that he took her to his house pending the train leaving for Dunedin. Miss Bock, who is an accomplished young woman, soon made herself particularly agreeable to the sergeant’s daughter, who subsequently took quite a sisterly interest in her new-found friend. Miss Bock, after being some few months at the Industrial School, expressed a wish to write to some of her friends with a view to seeing what could be done for her. It was understood that she had written to a relative in Waverley, New South Wales, and about a fortnight later a letter from Christchurch was addressed to her at the institution, which, after perusing, she handed to the master. The letter was as follows 

Opawa (near Christchurch), January 18, 1888.

Dear Amy,—Your letter to Waverley was forwarded to me here yesterday. My dear child, I heard of all your troubles from your father when we passed through Auckland. Amy dear, how is it that you, who had such a grand opportunity of doing well, have failed so? I am so disappointed. The Amy I remember was such a generous, noble-hearted, truthful, honest girl, What has caused the change? It is just four years ago since you spent the happy Christmas with us, and I have not seen you since. I did not know you had left Auckland till we reached there. I am so sorry for you, and I will help you as far as I am able. You do not know that I am an invalid and a widow. It is almost two years since your uncle and I were driving into Toowoomba, and the train stalled the horses, and we were both thrown out. Your uncle was killed on the spot, and I am left a helpless invalid; so much so that I have to get Burtie to write for me. She is mamma's secretary. Well, Amy dear, I will tell you what I wish; then you may please yourself about accepting. Burtie, Val, and I are leaving for England by the next large steamer which goes from Lyttelton, and we shall probably be away nine or ton or mouths if God spares me to return, I would like you, if you can and will, to stay in New Zealand until our return, and then we will see if we can get you into something near Mudgee, New South Wales, as that is where we intend to live on our return. Now, if L30 would be of any service to you I will lend it to you. I say lend, but the loan may extend over many years; and I will make it even L50 if you will promise to pay me in small instalments. And you must also promise me to try your utmost to redeem your character and position. If you prefer to use this money to go over to New South Wales now and try yourself what can be done, well and good; but I think it would be wiser to pay some of your debts with it, and wait till I can take you over with me. You would not be so likely to be snubbed. I am told your term expires somewhere about the 14th or 15th: if so, would it be possible for you to run up to Christchurch for a day or two? I would dearly like to have a long talk with you, and I must save my strength for the long journey before me, or else I would come down to Dunedin myself.

If you would come up I would return you the cost of your fare, Say you left on Wednesday next, the 18th inst., you would reach Christchurch the same night, and I would be able to have a nice chat with you on Thursday, as they are all going to Ashburton. At any rate John Mason and Burtie will drive in to the station that evening in case you may come. We are staying with Mrs Mason at present. I am glad you have found such a kind friend in Mr Titchener, and trust you will strive to prove grateful to him. And now, Amy dear, I will stop, for I am tired, and Burtie dear is tired of writing for me; so we will leave the matter for the present. It you cannot come I will send you a post office order before we leave, and then you must please yourself which course you take; and oh, Amy, do for the future try for your own sake, for all our sakes, to conquer in the fight. I know you feel your father taking the steps he did, and I am astonished at him; but you shall not be left alone in the world if I can help it, my child. Good-bye, and may God bless you is the prayer of your loving aunt, M. Merry.

P S.—John has just told me that the Ashburton trip takes place on Friday, and not Thursday, so mamma says it you can get away please come on Thursday morning. I am going in to meet the night train. With love, Burtie.

Mr Titchener, who had been particularly observant regarding Miss Bock during the time she had been in the institution, and had noticed that she was somewhat crafty, doubted the genuineness of the letter, but of course did not express these doubts to the girl. To her he confided his opinion that Mrs Merry was a noble woman, advised the girl to accept the offer to go up to Christchurch, and even consented to reply in her name, thanking Mrs Merry, both by telegraph and letter, for her kind offer. The letter and telegram were sent as undertaken, but the same day saw the following telegram despatched to Inspector Pender.

Christchurch January 19, 1888. Inspector Pender, Christchurch. Please ascertain if there is a Mrs Mason residing at Opawa, and if there is a Mrs Merry, from New South Wales, staying with her. Let it be done quietly. My reason for asking for the information is this: I have a young person by the name of Amy Bock sent to me from Wellington under the First Offenders Act. I am inclined to think she is trying to carry out a clever dodge to get to Christchurch. Do not let the Masons or the Merrys know that inquiries are being made. Is is possible Mrs Merry may be there, but I think it is very doubtful. The enclosed is a copy of a letter which Bock states she has received from Mrs Merry; but as Miss Bock is an adept at letter writing and in the art of deceit, I have grave doubts about it, and am inclined to think she is preparing a plan for action in Christchurch. Please let me know as soon as possible. E. Titchener, Manager. 

To that the following reply was received:-

The Manager Industrial School, Caversham. Mrs Thomas Mason, Ball’s road, is the only person known by that name at Opawa. No person named Merry lives with her, or is known to her. Several letters and telegrams arrived at her house recently, addressed “Mrs Merry,” and were returned to the post office. Amy Bock was convicted here in April, 1886, and sentenced to one month for obtaining goods very cleverly by false pretences. She lived at Lyttelton with a publican who took a great interest in her.

On the day that this arrived Miss Bock sought a private interview with Mr Titchener for the purpose of extorting from him her fare to Christchurch, and she was taken somewhat aback when Inspector Pender’s telegram was read to her. She, however, took in the situation at a moment, and admitted that she had been convicted in Christchurch as mentioned. She further admitted having penned the letter alleged to have come from Opawa in the institution, said that she had posted it up to Christchurch, and that it was there copied by an accomplice, whose name, however, was too honorable a thing for her to disclose. Her deception was then brought under the notice of Dr Hislop, one of the visiting trustees at the Look-out Point Institution, and he saw that it would be unwise to detain Miss Bock there, especially as her term of detention under the Probation Act had expired. So she was discharged accordingly, but Mr Titchener continued to take a lively interest in her. He found her comfortable lodgings, and commended her to the kindly attention of the gaol chaplain (Mr Torrance), and paid her board for three weeks. The young lady appeared to profit by the attentions shown her, joined the Salvation Army, in which she claimed to be a leading spirit, and generally did what she could to hoodwink those who were anxious for her welfare. But it soon transpired that by means of false pretences she was getting goods from tradespeople in various parts of the town, and Messrs Torrance and Titchener finding that they could do nothing for her, left her to her own course; and for the last few weeks she had, according to one witness, been “living on her wits.” The reading of the correspondence published above (which was done by order of the Bench) caused great amusement to those in the court, and the laughter was renewed when Mr Titchener remarked; “She has some excellent testimonials your Worship — in her own handwriting.” 

The Bench, after hearing the evidence, said: We think it best to adjourn the case for seven days, so that in the meantime prisoner can be examined by some medical authority as to the state of her mind. 

The prisoner thanked the Court for the course they were adopting, and added that the offence must be a mania with her; she could not help herself. 

In answer to the police, Mr Titchener assured the Court that he had never seen anything wrong with the woman. If she was mad, there must indeed be method in her madness. 

SOME OF THE VICTIMS. From Mr C. Bills, George street, she obtained a bird and bird-cage, representing that she had been sent there by a gentleman well known to Mr Bills; from Mr Price she got some medicines; from the lady with whom she was boarded by Mr Titchener she got a brooch, which she has failed to account for; and another lady with whom she had been staying recently gave her a gold watch to get repaired, but Miss Bock failed to return either the watch or herself. She went to the Dresden Piano Depot and left some printed cards to the following effect with Mr Reidle :— “Miss A. M. Bock, teacher of pianoforte and singing. Terms: One guinea per quarter, First-class Melbourne testimonials.” On her representation that she had some pupils who “were paying three guineas per quarter in advance,” Mr Reidle sent a piano to a room in a house in Canongate that she had rented; but he was more fortunate than the others, for the landlady, thinking there was something suspicious in Miss Bock’s conduct, refused to receive the instrument. In the case on which she was prosecuted she paid two visits to Mr Dutton recently, and represented that she had been sent for the perfumery and other articles by Mr Titchener, saying that she was a teacher in his institution. It is believed that very many tradespeople have been imposed on by Miss Bock, and, had it not been for Mr Titchener’s action, no doubt others would have received a visit from this very estimable young lady.  -Evening Star, 4/4/1888.

KLEPTOMANIA.

A CONFESSION. 

EXTRAORDINARY STORY. 

The following is the written statement of Maud Amy Bock, a larcenist, read up the Supreme Court, Dunedin, on Wednesday:-

The malady I suffer from now has been upon me since childhood, and no one but God and myself knows the fearful horror I have had to face year after year in the knowledge that, instead of my being able to fight successfully against it (as I have prayed so often to do), it has rather overpowered me more and more. When I was very young I remember going to a shop in the town we lived in, and buying a lot of books, etc., without my father's knowledge; and giving them away. (You will see for yourself if you look into the case, that nothing I over got has been for myself. The temptation has always been: “Give, give; never mind how you get the things: you can pay for them by-and-bye.”) Well, when the account was sent to my father he came to me and told me never to get anything without first receiving an order from him. He told me that anything I needed I must go to him for, and I should have it; but his saying that only seemed to increase the desire to get things without his know. I did so many times, and, at last, when his patience was worn out, he took me into his room and told me of my mother’s fate, and said he feared I showed the came symptoms. He begged me to fight and struggle against this kleptomania for all our sakes. But it was in vain — it still went on at intervals, though he tried kindness and punishments of every kind. Then he decided to send me away to a boarding school in Melbourne (a Mrs James’s, Nicholson street, Fitzroy). There for some months I had peace, yet it suddenly broke out worse than ever. However, I stayed nearly two years, and then my father having had severe losses we each had to choose our own work and take to it. I, being passionately fond of children and teaching, choose school work. I studied under Mr E. L. Clements (now head teacher at Naseby). I passed my examination and was appointed to a school at Stradbroke, in Gippsland, Victoria,where I was for two years, and from there I was promoted to Maryvale East, about ninety-seven miles from Melbourne, on the railway line from there to Sale. During those two years, strange to say, the old temptation had scarcely visited me; and when it did the thought of my work, which I really loved, always had the power to check me. But just about this lime the greatest sorrow of my life came to me, I had become engaged to one whom I had known from childhood, and he was accidentally killed, being thrown from his pony. However, I went to Maryvale, and was there for some years until a school at Hazelwood, about seven and a half miles from ours, was made half-time with ours, and I was given charge of the two. I accepted and did well for some time; but the work was too much for a female, besides having to go backwards and forwards to the school in all weathers. One day I had got wet through, and, instead of changing my clothes at once, I sat in them for three or four hours. This resulted in an attack of inflammation of the lungs and bronchitis, and having a relapse, the illness lasted four and a half months, during which time I was only once out of my bed I had to resign, and losing my school seemed to throw me back altogether. I never got strong, and the old temptation came again. I fell so often that 1 determined to tell Dr George Teague, of Melbourne, all my case and seek his advice. He did all he could, and indeed was beneficial to a certain extent; but I went to New South Wales to visit an uncle there, and then the malady attacked me again. I got things in his name and gave them to his children, my cousins. When he found out, he was vexed. I told him how it was, and he offered then to place me in a private asylum and pay for me if I would go; but I would not. I have regretted it ever since but I hoped against hope that I might be enabled to battle against it. I went to Melbourne again, and there I suffered fearfully through it, and had it not been that I had many influential friends, I should have been in the same position as I am at present. I was far from strong as regards bodily health, and the doctors ordered me away, either to Tasmania or to New Zealand. My father being here he wired for me to come to Auckland, but my stepmother, being very young and knowing the malady I suffered, from, never liked me, and things were made so miserable for me that I left home and got a place as governess at Otahuhu, and there the same old thing occurred. I was arrested, but the Magistrates, having proof of my suffering from my mother’s disease, decided that I was not responsible, and discharged me. On my way up the coast from Melbourne to Auckland I had stayed one night with Mr and Mrs Haxell, of the Empire hotel, Lyttelton, they were old friends of ours in Victoria. When in Auckland I heard of her death and her wish that, if I had not obtained work in Auckland, I would come as governess to her daughters Eva and Mary. I did so, but had not been there long before I did that which resulted in my being placed in Addington for a month. I know then I had no chance of fighting against this terrible evil; it is in my blood, and the only way of my being enabled to prevent myself from being the cause of misery and sorrow to all those connected with me is to write and see if my uncle will do as he offered some years ago — place me in a private asylum, where I perhaps be treated kindly, and yet never allowed to go out alone. Mr Titchener stated in his evidence that I was living with a publican at Lyttelton, I beg to say that it was not in the way he would have made it appear; but simply as governess to his two daughters. Whatever my life has been, the temptation of bad living such as he inferred, has not been one of mine. God knows I have evil enough to answer for without that. After leaving Addington I went to Wellington, and was there some time before I again fell. Through the kindness of the Minister of Education, Mr Habens, Mr Wardell and others — who knew that it was my mothers malady again showing itself — I was sent to the Industrial School at Caversham, instead of gaol, and there I was till January last; and since then I have again fallen many times in the same way. I know my sin deserves the greatest severity. Yet, believe me, it has indeed been struggled against, though in vain. If your Worships will deal with me as leniently as possible, it is all I ask. It will be better for me and all concerned that I should receive a sentence and in the meantime I will get someone to write to my uncle and beg of him to carry out now the offer be made some time ago, and then when my term is over I may go right away to the asylum he knew of. It is a private one, and the keeper is a friend of his own; therefore he thought it would be good for me, for I would have certain privileges, and be kept out of harm’s way. Dr Burns says it is not madness. For proof I refer to my father in Auckland; Mr Knight, of Wellington, and the superintendent of the Yarra Bond. If proof is required of my being once a teacher in Victoria Mr K. L. Clements will be able to furnish that. Besides, Mrs Robert Wilson of George street, perhaps remembers me when she was over in Victoria. Some few years ago, while I was at the Maryvale school near Morwell, I was boarding with her uncle, Mr John Thompson. She visited them during that time. She may possibly remember it; but it is hard to get proof here, for I am comparatively a stranger in Dunedin. However, God knows best, and I am quite content to abide by his will; and I still hope and pray that He who only can will, in His own good way and time, free me from this terrible disease, which causes me such misery, and others too, through me. Only He knows the horror I have lived in all these years.  -South Canterbury Times, 13/4/1888.

"A photograph of Amy Bock in Salvation Army dress. Taken in Timaru early in 1893"  Hocken Library photo.

MORE ABOUT AMY BOCK.

It appears that Amy Bock first came under the notice of the Victorian police authorities while she was teaching a State school at Maryvale East (Gippsland). The first case brought against her was at the instance of Mr Way, a Melbourne jeweller, who had forwarded to her two gold watches, valued at L60. The watches were sent up to her on approval, she having written that L20 had been subscribed locally for the purpose of presenting a watch to the secretary of the local football club. She gave the name of the intended recipient, and also an inscription she wanted on the watch. It was only on the secretary himself being communicated with, after attempts to discover the whereabouts of Amy having failed, that the fraud was exposed. Then application was made for the issue of a warrant, and on learning this fact she wrote to the prosecutor asking for time to enable to pay, and entreating mercy, as otherwise she would be ruined. The publicity given to these proceedings revealed the fact that she had victimised in a similar manner a number of Melbourne firms, including Rocke and Co., Stevenson and Elliott, and James McEwan and Co. From Rocke and Co. she obtained a quantity of furniture, which she agreed to pay for out of her salary, and when pressed for payment she forwarded a letter, purporting to be by her brother, who asked for time as she was in difficulties; but this letter proved to be a forgery. From the Carriage Company at Collingwood she obtained two carriages worth L70, and sold one of them for Ll9, but it was subsequently recovered. In February, 1883, she opened an account with a Melbourne grocer, but no money being forthcoming she was sharply reminded of the fact. On one occasion a Miss Ethel Bock appeared and presented a cheque for Ll9 10s, purporting to be drawn by Amy Bock. The grocer kept the cheque, which proved to be valueless. The next day he received a letter, edged in deep mourning, from "Ethel" Bock, saying that she had just got a telegram from Morwell, which stated that her sister had died suddenly from rupture of a blood-vessel. Inquiries elicited that Ethel and Amy Bock were one and the same person. From Stevenson and Elliott she obtained a carriage worth L45, but it was recovered afterwards. In the course of the proceedings it was stated that she was not responsible for her proceedings — in fact, was out of her mind. Her mother died many years ago in a lunatic asylum in Tasmania, of which colony she is a native. She was brought over to Victoria by her father, an artist, who some years ago married again and left her to fight the battle of life pretty much as she could, himself emigrating to New Zealand. She resided in the Morwell district for five or six years before her arrest, and was in receipt of a salary of L9 a month, having charge of two half-time schools. A Justice of the Peace at Sale informed the Melbourne 'Herald' that it was no secret to the inhabitants of that place that Amy had been more or less insane, and that her craving had been a desire for jewellery. Years ago her father served notice on a Sale jeweller not to serve her with jewellery; and on one occasion she obtained a suite of furniture and gave it away. The reports do not state what was the outcome of the prosecution at Melbourne.  -Evening Star, 12/5/1888.

Amy Bock, a young woman of some notoriety, was charged at the Christchurch Magistrate's Court on Thursday with having obtained, by means of false pretences, goods to the value of £4 1s 2d from Charles Luxton, on 20th March, and £1 in money on the previous day from Jonathan Checkley. Mr. D. Wynn-Williams appeared for the accused. Mr. Ponder said that the woman had for some time followed an extraordinary career, and was well known at Wellington and Dunedin, as well as at Christchurch. As doubts existed as to the state of her mind, she had been medically examined at Dunedin, but no decision had been arrived at. The woman, it appeared, was in the habit of writing extraordinary begging letters to people, without apparently desiring in any way to profit by them, as she almost invariably gave the things away. She had, he understood, been living with a Mrs. Brooks at a place known as the Hilltop, near Akaroa. On the previous day she went to Checkley's, and said Mrs. Brooks was in town, and had no money to go home with, and asked for 16s to pay their fare back. Checkley gave her £1, as he had no change. It then transpired that Mrs. Brooks was not in town at the time. It was generally understood that some restraint was necessary, and he believed Mr. Wynn-Williams would offer no objection to accused being remanded for medical examination. Counsel offered no objection, and accused was remanded till Thursday, 25th April.   -Evening Post, 22/4/1889.

AMY BOCK BEFORE COURT.

PROBATION GRANTED. 

LEAVES COURTROOM IN TEARS.

 AUCKLAND, October 27.  Amy Maud Christofferson, now aged 72 who as Amy Bock, was the central figure in one of the most sensational case heard in the New Zealand courts over 20 years ago, appeared before his Honour Sir Alexander Herdman in the Supreme Court at Auckland for sentence on five charges of false pretences. She was admitted to probation for two years. 

Mr Noble, who appeared for accused, said that, at one stage of her life she had been, involved in a case of a notorious nature, and that had been dogging her for many years. After a very chequered career she found herself destitute and out of employment. That caused her to be involved in a number of petty swindles, defrauding a number of people of money. She was not in good health, and counsel made a plea for leniency. 

Some years ago the woman married a man who turned out to be a drunkard and a gambler, continued Mr Noble. She had lived with him for a time, but he eventually went to Sweden, his native country. At all times she had to support herself. She was not eligible, on account of her criminal career for an old-age pension. The Salvation Army had offered to care for her if the Court would admit her to probation. 

His Honour, addressing accused, said, "You have appeared in the courts many times but it appears from the papers before me that since 1909 you have kept out of the hands of the police, and the probation officer reports that since your discharge from gaol nearly 20 years ago you have been employed in domestic service and have been a trusted servant in many situations. How it comes about that you have lapsed against I cannot understand unless your drunken husband got you into difficulties. Although you have been declared an habitual criminal, having regard to your age and the fact that you have kept out of trouble for 20 years I shall admit you to probation, subject to the condition that you are placed in charge of Major Gordon, of the Salvation Army, who has offered to take care of you. You will go to the Salvation Army home in Parnell, and, there you will have to live.  If you don't behave yourself, you can immediately be brought before me and sentenced, and, your license as an habitual criminal cancelled."

While in the dock, accused leaned on the rail with her head bowed. She had her hands up to her face as she wailed-away in tears.   -Otaki Mail, 9/11/1931.


Amy must have been sincere at this last court appearance.  She figures no more in the newspapers up to her death in 1943, except as fodder for the occasional "remember when" story.  She died aged 82.  Her legend, and speculation on her motives, remain.

one surety of £