LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 112, 6 May 1876, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[Per Press Agency.] WELLINGTON May 3. The “ Times” says that Mr Fitzherbert, after consulting his political friends, has signified his willingness to accept the position as speaker, and his sense that it has been offered in a manner alike honorable to himself and the Government. The Agent-General reports, in a despatch received here yesterday, that no further emigrants from the Continent would be despatched, excepting in some few cases where it would be necessary to carry out existing arrangements. May 5. Seven firemen left by the Arawata this afternoon, to take part in the firemen’s contest at Ballarat. About five minutes past six this morning, several shocks of earthquake wore felt, from a north-easterly direction. Vibration not very strong. A heavy and prolonged shock was felt at Poverty Bay exactly at six this morning. NELSON. May 3. In the Supremo Court yesterday, the case of Millar, late Provincial Engineer, charged with obtaining money under false pretences, lasted all day, and until nine at night, when the jury, after a very few minutes consideration, returned a verdict of not guilty.” Beautiful weather for the races. There was a fair attendance. A temporary telegraph office was on the ground, and proved a great convenience to the public. Maiden Plate, miles. Rivers’ Morning Star, 1 ; Stevenson’s Sir Wal ter, 2 5 J. W. Jackson’s Gainsborough, 3. Bandsman and Moose also started. It was a well contested race throughout, and was won by a length. 2min. 27 secs. Handicap Steeplechase, of 60 sovs. added to a sweepstakes of 4 sovs. each. For this event there were eleven acceptances, The result was—Butcher Boy, 1; Dick Turpin, 2; Tapamuka, 3. Sultan took the lead, and kept it till the water jump, when he fell. Don Juan’s rider fell at the fourth leap, and the horse bolted. Whalebone, Nero, and May Morn were scratched. Railway Plate, of 60 sovs.; weight for age; 2 miles. This race was a gift to Guy Fawkes, Treason being second, and Folly third. Time, 4 min 8 seconds. For the Weller race, three quarters of a mile, Jackson’s Gainsborough secured first place. Freeth’s Treason second, and J. Stevenson’s Magenta third, Gainsborough took the lead from the start, but had to race to keep it. Heavy showers set in during the afternoon, making the course very slippy TVT . May 4. Showery day for the races. The first event was the Handicap Hurdle Race, of 40 sovs., one mile and a half, over 8 flights of hurdles. Satellite, 4 years, lOst, 1; Magenta, aged, 9st 41b, 2; Gazelle, aged, list 71b, 3. Six others started. It was a splendid race, the horses all being in a cluster and taking the first four flights simultaneously. Satellite then forged a-head, and won by two lengths, Gazelle a good third. The race was run in a pelting shower. Jockey Club Handicap, of 80 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 4 sovs. each. There were eight acceptances. Guy Fawkes, lOst, 1; FolJy, Bst, 2; Isaac Walton, 7st, 3. Treason bolted- Sir Walter, Satellite, and Magenta were scratched. The race was an easy win for Guy Fawkes, Free Handicap, Folly, 1; Isaac Walton, 2. Three others started. Folly

and Isaac Walton ran a dead heat. The second heat was a hard race, and was won by Folly by a head. ; Consolation Handicap.—Treason, 1; Magenta, 2 ; Medea, 3. A fine race, won by a neck. The meeting altogether was a very successful one. May 5. A protest was entered against Butcher Boy in the Steeplechase, for going on the wrong side of a flag. The stewards last night, after examination of witness, allowed it, and declared Dick Turpin the winner. AUCKLAND. May 3. The Thames steamer Durham took fire at 4 o’clock this morning. It was supposed to have been put out, but broke out again at a quarter to 10, doing great damage. The boat had to be scuttled. The saloon is badly damaged. The captain and engineer’s cabins were gutted, and the deck planking seriously injured. The vessel is expected to be floated this afternoon. She is insured for £I,OOO in the New Zealand Company. NAPIER. May 3. At the meeting of the Municipal Council last evening, a letter was read from the Mayor of Wellington, asking the co-operation of the Mayor of Napier re Municipal Loans Rill, and suggesting a conference of the Mayors of the colony at some central place. The Mayor promised to co-operate. CHRISTCHURCH. May 3. The “ Times” of this morning denies on authority the report that Mr Rolleston intended to accept the appointment of Under Secretary for Education after the next session.

May 4. A statement of Provincial receipts and expenditure for the year ending March 31st shows the receipts from the land fund to have been £245,510; receipts from railways for the same period were £178,940, and the expenditure £120,080. The total receipts from all sources (including a balance of £351,943 in hand on Ist |_ April?] 1875), were £891,924, and the expenditure £760,861, leaving a credit balance at the Bank of £131,062. Quotations, f. o. b. at Lyttelton— Wheat, 4s; chicken feed, 4s 6d to 4s 9d; milling oats, 2s; barley, 4s; flour, £lO 15s to £ll 2s 6d; bran, 4s; sharps, £5 10s; cheese, 9£d; butter, Is 4d. Wheat freights to London have been reduced to 40s, causing a firmer tone in the market. Simonsen’s Opera Company performed “ Lucia de Lamermoor,” to a crowded house last night with great success, A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at six a.m. to-day. DUNEDIN. May 4. The Chamber of Commerce has appointed a sub-committee to report on a letter received from the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce as to the tribunals of commerce, and as to the existing state of the insolvency laws. May 5. Mackay, of the “ Bruce Hcralu,'’ has commenced an action against the National Bank for £15,000 damages for dishonouring a bill. He announces that he has retained Cassey.