SUPREME COURT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XII, Issue 2423, 3 July 1891, Page 2

SUPREME COURT.

(l IT? iMxESs ASSOCIATION.)

Nelson, July 1. The Supreme Court opened to-day, when the charge against Graham Fisher, of Collingwood, of steal ing a ram, occupied till evening. Alter half an hour's absence, the jury returned a verdict..of not guilty, and accused was discharged. The only other case, one of sheep-stealing, will be tried to-morrow. : • Auckland, July 1. A case was heard m. Banco to-day under the Deceased Persons Estates Act, m the matter of the will of the late John Probert, to show why stamp duty should not be paid upon certain bequests made by the deceased to the Wesloyan Methodist Church of New Zealand. Deceased bequeathed £22,095, and the stamp Commissioner claimed £2746 as duty, which the executors paid under protest. The question was whether the Wesleyan Methodist Church was exempt, and what refund of duty, if any, the executors are entitled to demand. Mr Justice Connolly sustained the act of the Stamp Commissioner, but would have been glad if this important, question had been decided by a higher court. Chuistchurch, Ju'y 1. The case of Ovenden v Ovenden, petir i tion by Mrs Ovenden to be allowed access to the child of the parties, m terms of a deed of separation, was concluded to-day. The petition . was resinted on the grounds that the petitioner's conduct rendered it undesirable that she should have such access. After three day's hearing lis Honor Mr Justice Dehnisbon gave judgment for defendant, but without costs This means that the Court declined to enforce the clause m the deed providing for s'x weeks' residence during the year of the child with the mother, and that the child will, under the deed, return to the guardianship of Canon and Miss Ovenden m Ireland.