BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2745, 23 November 1870, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Nelson-, November 22nd. Harris pleaded guilty to-day to two charges of forgery. The plea was accepted by the Crown. Harris was sentenced to six years' penal servitude—five for forgery, and one for emtczzlement. The other charges were withdrawn, his plea conveying the admission of embezzlement and of forgery to hide it. Mary Needham, for uttering a forged cheque to a pawnbroker, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment. There are signs of rain at last. It is much needed.

Christchubcu, November 22nd.

In the Provincial Council this evening, a Message was received from His Honour the Superintendent, asking the Council to join him in expressing so rrow at the death of Mr Selfe, who for fifteen years rendered valuable services to the province. The Message will be considered to-morrow.

[ The Speaker also read a letter from the Superintendent, stating that lie fully concurred in the resolution passed by the Council on Thursday last, relative to the misunderstanding between himself and his Executive. On the motion of Mr Melville Walker, it was resolved " That the claim of the Government against the Bank of New Zealand, alleged to be debited in .error, and the claim of the Bank against the Government for commission on debentures placed in the Bank for sale, be referred to arbitration." On a division, the following addition was made to the resolution :—" That this Council will not sanction any expenditure which may be incurred for legal proceedings without its consent." The debate was a stormy one.