TELEGRAMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4170, 30 June 1875, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

Wellington*, June 29fch. The Government will introduce, early iv the session, a Bill for the consolidation and amendment of the present Stamp Duties Act. Although the revenue will not be affected by this measure, it will, it is believed, simplify the collection of the duties, and at the same time facilitate the transaction of business. It is understood that the several Banks in the Colony have entered into an arrangement which binds them to adopt uniform rates of interest, discount, &c. The folio wing is a copy of a telegram received by the Government from Mr Thomas Russell : — " London, Juue ISth.—To Dr Pollen, Wellington.—San Francisco Service. —The Sydney Government is responsible for the delay We now have satisfactory tenders—£9o,ooo. Your service is secured in printed conditions, sent to you, under which all vessels to San Francisco sail from Port Chalmers, and vessels from San Francisco sail to Sydney—connecting at Fiji. We hope to make a contract in a few days for a speed of 11 knots.—Tiios. Pulssell." The printed conditions refer to the route, which will be from San Francisco to Sydney direct, and from >Tew Zealand to San Francisco direct. The mails to New Zealand being transhipped at and forwarded from Kandavau, and the mails from Sydney being forwarded to and transhipped at Kandavau. The Governor laid the foundation stone, this afternoon, of the new Presbyterian Church iv Willis street. Auckland, June 29th. The chairman of the pnblic meeting at Otahuhu urged the Government to reduce the fares on the Auckland and Mercer Railway. He has received a reply that the Government cannot comply with the petition. Nelson, June 29fch. The Albion has arrived from Grey mouth. Captain Underwood attempted to bring her in without a pilot, and grounded on the Boulder Bank. She got off in half an hour uninjured.