(Pek United Press Association.)

Chiustchubch, January 25. The case of Mackay v. Oram, which has been before the Supreme Court for about two years, haviug been heard but not decided by the late Mr Justice Johnston, was decided this after noon, lt was an action brought to determine the ownership of the Royal Hotel, oue of the oldest licensed houses in Christchurch. Jlr Justice Ward, in giving judgment, said that from the evidence Mrs Mackav, original owner, must be taken (o have had full knowledge of the transactions of the trustees in connection with the estate. The Orams gave a very fair price when they gave £3000 for the house. 'Che money went to pay off a mortgage, and plaintiffs did not think of impugning the validity of the sale. Nov. plaintiffs, who had received the money, asked that the sale should be set aside and made no offer to'refund any money. He had never heard so dishonest a contention set up in any court he had the honour of presiding over during his 27 years on thu t.neh. An defendants had offorod to jjiw the property back ou pajment of the am mint of purchase and amount of cash expended by them on the property, the decree would be that if the amount of £4500 be paid to the Orams or their representatives within two months from this date, then the Orams shall execute a re-conveyance. In addition to that plaintiffs, of course, wiU havo to pay any costs incurred subsequent to the offer to this effect made by|defendan.s; otherwise the nctiou would bo dismissed, with costs on the highest scale.
DIVORCE COURT PROCEEDINGS.
