The Woman Bridegroom. (Press, 28 April 1909)

The news story revolves around the extraordinary escapades of Amy Bock, who is known for her devious exploits and has recently made headlines by marrying a young woman in the South. Bock has gained notoriety in both the city and Canterbury, becoming adept at charming unsuspecting men into parting with their money. Previously employed at a boarding house about eighteen months prior, she garnered the affection of the boarders through her pleasant disposition, despite not being particularly attractive. Bock's schemes have included fabricating tales to elicit financial assistance, one instance involving a story about a male friend in distress on the West Coast. She successfully manipulated one boarder into giving her twelve pounds, while she was about to approach another when the landlady interrupted. Her history includes stints at local institutions, where she showcased her talent for organising theatrical performances. A particularly notable aspect of Bock's abilities is her mastery of seven different styles of handwriting, which has aided her in various deceitful schemes. On one occasion while incarcerated, she slyly arranged for a letter to be posted to Victoria, whereupon she received a reply regarding an alleged inheritance of valuable property. Known by several aliases, including Shannon and Chanel, Bock has a long history with the law, having faced the Supreme Court in February 1905 on a forgery charge related to a cheque alteration incident involving a John Gardiner in Rakaia. During her trial, she claimed to have received only a fraction of the money she had expected as a result of the fraudulent cheque, but was ultimately found guilty. Her criminal record stretches back to 1896, and at the time of her sentencing, she had accumulated numerous convictions. Recently, Bock appeared at the Dunedin Police Court and indicated her intention to plead guilty to the charges against her. The court was crowded with observers eager to witness the proceedings, leading to her being discreetly escorted out to avoid the throng waiting outside. Bock's ongoing adventures and interactions with the law continue to captivate the public imagination.

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