LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 62, 20 February 1877, Page 3

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

' [Special to the Mail.] . Nelson, February 19. The Rev. John Selwyn has been consecrated Bishop of Melanesia, yesterday morning, before a large number of clergy *and a crowded congregation. Sermon by Rev. Dudley of Auckland. Hokitika, February 19. Colonial firing commenced at 7.30 a.m. with the first carbine match. Littlewood of Wanganui won both range prizes and first prize with the fine score of 53, having made 28 at 400 yards ; Sykes, Thames, 48; McLean, Auckland, 4(5; Cummings, Wanganui, 43. The first infantry match commenced at 10 a.m., first two ranges were first finished. Highest scores are : Paynten, Nelson, 53 ; Partington, Auckland, 51; Keefe, Tauranga, 50 ; A. C. Campbell, 48 ; Harding, Oamaru, 48; Perrin, Christchurh, 48. The weather is fine, and shooting is going on quickly. Wellington, February 19. The negotiations between this Government and that of Sydney between Pacific Mail Company concluded on the following basis. The Company agree to the total subsidy of £72,500, of which Sydney pays , £40,000, contingent on ratification by parliament; the New Zealand Government, £32,500. Steamers are to pall at Auckland, and it is optional with the Company as to whether they should at 4 Honolulu, not at Fiji by this route. New Zealand mails will be delivered about two days earlier than under the former contract; they are to be distributed from, and taken to Anckland.at the expense of pur Government. Service to commence immediately. No more of the Company's steamers intend coming down the coast. Napier, February 19. A curious complication has, arisen in the Waipawa County. An extraordinary vacancy in the Council having occurred in consequence of the decision of the R.M. on a petition of the Hon. H. R. RussellThere were two nominations —Russell and Johnston—but the Returning Officer declared himself unable to fix the time for poll, because the election was not a first election, and therefore there being rolls to be prepared, and no such rolls having been prepared, he had no means of taking the poll, and adjourned it sine die.