LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 793, 25 March 1871, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

(pee greyitile's telegram! compact, reuter's agejtts). Patea, March 23. A telegram dated Taranaki, March 20, states that the Pariaka meeting passed off satisfactorily. There wero not many natives present. They will allow tho telegraph to cross native lands. Advices from England say that a Company to smelt the iron sand can be formed. Wellingtons-, March 23. Tho Government have received a copy of tho contract made by the Postmaster-General with Messrs Webb and lialliday. It is almost identical with Mr Neils ou's. It makes New Zealand the head quarters of Australian steam communication with America, and the steamers are to touch at the four ports indicated in Mr Macandrow's resolution. A subsidiary agreement has been entered into with Mr Hall for continuing the present line until tho other commences, and arrangements have been mado with the owners of the s.s. Phcebe for a temporary subsidiary ser-

vice. Tho contract and other documents will shortly bo published. Auckland, March 17th, Via "Wanganui. James Naughton, late Commissioner of Police, died suddenly to-day. The accounts from the Thames are very encouraging. The following dividends have been declared for the week :—Caledonian, £l2 ; Thames £2. Shaves in the principal claims are rising. The latest news from the "Waikato is that Hanawia, a young Chief of tho Rewis tribe, has proposed that Tapihana, who at the time was prowlin" - in the Pirongia ranges, should be shot. Tapihana has left for ITawahia. A large portion of New Zealand is believed to have been burnt (?) An accident has occured on the line of railway to Hudson. Arrivals :—St Kikla, from Wanganui; Jennie Duncan, from Fiji. Dunedin, March 24tb. There wero upwards of three thousand persons present at the races yesterday. The weather was fine and the course in better condition than was anticiprted. Tho following was the result of tho racing:— Maibeit Plate. Swindl3 ... ... ... ... 1 Tigor 2 Won by two lengths.

Fopnirny: Handicap. Catapult 1 Bobby Burns ... ... ... 2 Sir Tatton 3 Seven horses started, Slander being the favorite. A good start was effected, Catapult taking the lead. Tho race was closely contested throughout. The next event was a trotting race. Won by Magic. Time —3 mins 3 sees. St. Kilda Stakes. Backbiter ... ... ... ... 1 Miss Flat 2 Yatorina and Lynden were scratched. Five horses started, Backbiter getting away with a good lead winch was maintained to the finish. SECOND DAY. For the Hurdle Race four started. First Heat—Sir Tatton, 1 ; Pretender, 2 ; Don Pedro, 3. In the Second Heat Pretender fell at the second leap, and bolted—Sir Tatton, 1; Don Pedro, 2; Honest John, 3. For the Jockey Handicap seven started. Bobby Burns fell the first round and was hurt. Yatarina, 1; Backbiter, 2. A close race for places. The papers publish the postal contract. It is almost identical with the last: thirteen services, including contnecion with Australia, to cost £50,000 annually; and £40,000 if Australia do not avail herself of the service. The contractors have entered into a bond of £25,000 for the due performance of the contract. It gives general satisfaction. The Governor left here at 230 p.m., after having been entertained by the Executive Council. Aeeited —Jessie Eeadman, from Glasgow. Tho Graving Dock opens next week, when the Agnes Mtfir will be taken in for repairs.