BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 4113, 3 May 1876, Page 3

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Auckland, May 2. The Directors of the Bank of New Zealand were the only tenderers for the Government account, so that their tender has been accepted, on conditions published some time ago. The Acclimatisation Society has resolved to co-operate with the Canterbury and other Southern societies for shipments of Californian salmon.

It is understood the Superintendent has written to the three Commissioners, stating that they need not come to Auckland.

Wellington, May 3. The Agent-General reports in despatches received yesterday, that no further immigrants from the Continent will be despatched, excepting some few cases where it is neces sary to fulfil existing engagements. The ‘N. Z. Times’ says that Mr Fitzherbert, after consulting his political friends, has signified bis willingness to accept the msition of Speaker, and his sense that it has jeen offered him in a manner alike honorable to himself and to the Government.

Thames, May 3. Ine steamer Durham took fire this morning at four o’clock. The fire was supposed to have been put out, but it broke out again at a quarter to ten, doing great damage. The boat had to be scuttled, and the saloon was badly damaged. The captain’s and engineer’s cabins were gutted, and the deck planking injured seriously. The vessel was expected to be floated this afternoon. She was insured for LI.OOO in the New Zealand office.

_ Christchurch, May 3. The * Lyttelton Times ’ this morning denies on authority the report that Mr Rolleston intended to accept the appointment of Under-Secretary for Education after next session.

The extensive land sales still continue. The amount received for land on Monday was L 7.726, and yesterday L 13,498. The valuation of the rateable property in Christchurch for the present vear is L 147.104. *

{From our own Correspondents.)

. . Nelson, May 3. In Regina v. Millar, the defendant’s reply to the indictment of “ Guilty or not guilty,” was exceedingly characteristic of the man : “Not guilty, inasmuch as I have never knowingly or designedly defrauded any man of a single shilling, officially or personally, during along professional career of 50 years.” The trial resulted in a unanimous verdict of acquittal by a special jury, after only five minutes’ consideration. Millar’s case was denounced by his counsel as “an O'Connor persecution, under pretence of aprosecution. ” Rumor says that an action by Mr Millar is pending for L 25.000 damages.

, Auckland, May 3. The Luna sailed for the Bay of Islands with the Governor and suite, accompanied by H.M.S. s Pearl and Sappho. The Nymph leaves for the South on the Bth.