BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3467, 2 April 1874, Page 3

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Auckland, April 1. The Commodore desires it should be known that he and_ H.B.M. Consul investigated the financial position of Fiji, and that it appears the expenditure of the Government during the two years ending December 1873, was L 124,000, while the revenue was only L 42,000. Further, that there is nothing to show for the expenditure but public offices which cost about L 1,200, and a few hundred rifles. The interest on the debt of Fiji is stated to be L 24 4s per month, and the Commodore, it appears, states there is no prospect of paying the ambunt. The Commodore is anxious it should be known that the Fiji chiefs formally request Her Majesty to undertake the Government of Fiji, and pending the Queen’s consideration of their request the Commodore is consulting with the Foreign Consuls respecting a Provincial Government. The City of Melbourne leaves for Sydney at midnight with the Australian mail via ’Frisco. Ike Mongol proceeds South to-morrow evening. The New Zealand mail came wholly unsorted, and caused great delay at the Post Office. The Auckland letters are hot yet delivered. The Presbytery, after a long discussion, negatived the motion protesting against Sunday trains and steamers, and will substitute an amendment to this effect—“ That as the Government will shortly take over the Railway, the Presbytery Will take no actiori in the matter at present.” . . ,Te Kuiti, April 1. Ihe speechifying is daily expected, and may begin to-day. The Natives expected the Governor would come, and delayed the meeting for that reason. Te Tapihana denounced the spirits which kept the King undecided. Te Hea Hea, with other chiefs, arrived from Taupo yesterday. There are now between 3,000 and 4,000 Natives at Te Kuiti, , Te; Wheoro was wished for, and expected. Tawhiao wanted to address the Governor, Mr M‘Lean, Te Wheoro, and other persons of note., He- is disappointed they did not attend. Another correspondent says ; Speaking began to-day. It is said that Tawhiao will speak before the meeting ends, and that the future depends on what he will say. The meeting is very orderly, and not much feasting or sports. Tawhiao is much disapointed that the. Friendlies did not come at his call, which will put off Tawhiao coming in so sbori as was hoped. Another meeting will be appointed especially for the Friendlies. New Plymouth, April 1. The Customs revenue for the March quarter shows an increase of nearly L6OO. Nelson, April !. A destructive fire occurred this morning, in Bridge street. It broke out in Phillips’s soap works, destroyed them and his shop, Thornton’s saddler shop on one side, Wymond, a draper’s shop, on the other; also the billiard rooms and stables belonging to the Trafalgar Hotel. Wymond’s store is insured for L 4,100,. and the buildings, which belong to Harley, for LI, 400; Phillips’s shop and house for L9OO. Thornton was uninsured, arid Wymond’s loss is far in excess of his insurance. The total insurance is—South British, LI,400; Norwich Union, L 500; National, LI,000; Victoria, LI,800; New Zealand, LI,000; London and Liverpool and Globe, L 1,500. The flames had secured a complete hold of the building before the alarm was given. • Waikouaxti, April 2. One of the most successful and satisfactory race meetings was held here yesterday. With the exception of the Handicap, all the events were well contested. The weather was enjoyable and the attendance good. The results are as follows: MAIDEN PLATE, Mr Cameron’s Tommy Tit 1 Mr Cowan’s Garrick Maid 2 Mr Campbell’s Erin-go-Bragh 3 Six started, Mr Cameron’s Topthorne being scratched. . 6 publicans’ purse. Mr Robert’s Schoolboy j Mr Paterson’s Blackbird] g • “—— Faugh-a-Ballagh I!!!!!! 3 Rufus and Maid of the Mill were scratched, and only the three started. WAIKOUAITI HANDICAP. Maid of the Mill i Faugh-a-Ballagh 2 « scratched, and the race was a gift to the Maid. . SELLING RACE. Mr M|Kay’s Rufus I Mr Paterson’s 80unce...." * ” 2 Faugh-a-Ballagh ...... 3 Mistletoe, Tommy, Carrick, Maid, and Schoolboy were scratched, and three started. . CONSOLATION STAKES. 80unce....; ; • , Faugh-a-Ballagh 2 Blackbird was.scratched, HACK RACE. Mr Leckie’s Maggie j This was a capital race.