NEW ZEALAND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 316, 11 April 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Cross Country. i Wanganui, To day. -The Wanganui Steeplechase Meeting is fixed for May 24th. The programme consists of a handicap steeplechase of 225 sovs., 3 miles ; second horse to receive 25 sovs. out of the stake. Then comes a Maiden Steeplechase of 100 sovs., the Grand Stand Steeplechase of 75 sovs., and the Consolation Stakes of 40 sovs. Nominations for the Handicaps close on May 2nd. A Distinguished Visitor. Wellington, To-day. The Duke of Manchester was a passenger by the s.s. Wakatipu, and was a guest of the Governor last night. The Duke visits various parts of the colony, and it is believed will proceed South today. Likely to Lead to Fraud. The criminal session of the Supreme Court opened this morning, and the Chief Justice remarked on the lightness of the calendar. He referred to the indictment against Downes, for the alleged tampering with Law Court stamps, and said that Government, in their eagerness to introduce a system of collecting revenue by stamps, had adopted a system which would probably lead to fraud. Charles Collins, for perjury, and Louis Miohalier, for larceny, were acquitted. James Smith, for larceny, was sentenced to 12 months. George Miller pleaded guilty to larceny, and the sentence was deferred.

Later. The Grand Jury found true bills against Downes on charges of tampering with stamps on deeds. The Judge Congratulates the Jut/. Dunedin, To-day. Judge Gillies in his charge congratulated the jury on the lightness of the calender, both as regarded the number and character of the offences to be tried.

Criminal^,,'" The following sentences were passed, the prisoners pleading gfiilty James Mack} larceny, two years ; William Everest, borough clerk, Hampden, embezzlement, two years. The case against Paget, the post office clerk, will occupy the whole day.

Bench and BarBefore commencing proceedings to-day, Mr Simpson, R.M., addressing the bar, intimated his intention to commit for contempt any practitioner guilty of interrupting or delaying the Court, as had been done lately.

Gone to Her Death. Last evening it was reported to the police that a quantity of female wearing apparel had been found at Waverley, under circumstances pointing to the suicide of the owner. The clothes have been identified as belonging to a woman named Emily Donaldson, aged 41, who left home on Saturday, and who is known to have gone to Waverley that morning. She has not since been heard of. The police are dragging the harbor.