fortigu ria (fuluttial.

fraurp.—The Senate is convoked, for a short session on the 22d instant, and the Chamber of Deputies for the 4th of February. It is anticipated that M. Jules Fevre will lead the Opposition in the Lower Chamber.

A report has been current that M. Thouvenel would resign the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs ; and, although the Moniteur has posi- tively denied its correctness, it is still believed in some quarters. M. de Persigny now permits all foreign newspapers to circulate freely in France.

The Siècle has continued to resolutely demand the retirement of the French fleet from Gaeta, and on Thursday the Moniteur informed the public in these terms that this step had been resolved on : "The object of sending the squadron of evolutions before Gaeta, was to prevent King Francis II. finding himself suddenly invested by land and by sea in the fortress to which he had withdrawn. The Emperor wished to show a mark of sympathy to a Prince cruelly tried by fortune ; but his Majesty, true to the principle of non-intervention, which has been the sole guide to his conduct towards Italy since the Peace of Villafmnea, did not pretend to assume an active part in a political struggle. By prolongating itself beyond the previsions which gave rise to it, this demonstration naturally assumed a different character. The presence of our flag, destined solely to cover the retreat of his Sicilian Majesty under conditions of a nature to shield his dignity, became looked upon as an encouragement to resistance and assumed the shape of' material support. Hence, incidents soon occurred which imposed upon the Commander-in-chief of the squadron the obligation of reminding the Neapolitans as well as the Piedmontese, of the part of strict neutrality prescribed to him, and which it was almost impossible for him to maintain. It was the more important for the Government of the Emperor not to accept the responsibility of such a position, as frank and reiterated declarations did not allow of any misinter- pretation of his intentions. Since the end of October, in fact, Vice-Admiral de Tinan was instructed to inform King Francis II. that our vessels could not remain indefinitely before Gaeta as passive spectators of a struggle which would only lead to a greater effusion of blood. The same intimation was made repeatedly to his Sicilian Majesty, whose courage had so completely saved his honour in the case. Meantime, the circumstances we have al- luded to have assumed a more serious aspect ; and, wishing to conciliate the requirements of a policy of neutrality with the first idea which induced him to procure for King Francis II. the means of a free departure, the Govern- ment of the Emperor has made itself the intermediary of a proposition of armistice, which has been acquiesced in by the two belligerent parties. stopped de facto on the 8th of the present mouth, hostilities will remain suspended till the 19th of January ; and it is also at that date that Vice- Admiral de Tinan will leave Gaeta."

A Havre journal says that there is a talk of experiments lately made at Cherbourg with a new sort of aviso invented by the Emperor. A new steel cannon of extremely long range also invented by the Emperor, is spoken of. It has been already stated that four new iron-eased frigates have been put on the stocks to complete the Emperor's programme, it being his intention to have twenty iron-cased frigates at sea this year. At the present moment there are six afloat, ten are just ready for launch- ing, and the four above mentioned will make up the number.

Mr. Lindsay seems very desirous of rivalling Mr. Cobden. From the -United States, he has turned to the French Emperor. Last week, he had an audience of his Majesty—indeed, "a long and interesting conversa- tion," in which the impromptu diplomatist showed the Imperial free- trader how greatly British shipping had increased since the Navigation- laws were repealed. Further, he maintained that a modification of the French Navigation-laws is demanded to give full effect to the Treaty of Commerce. The Emperor is represented as being much struck by these statements ; and there is talk of a beginning being made by admitting British colonial shipping to French ports on the same terms as those under which the direct trade is carried on.

The Noniteur has published a decree abolishing the surtax of 3 francs per 100 kilogrammes on foreign sugars imported in French vessels from countries out of Europe.

The financial situation of France has not improved. The bank re- turns show a large reduction in its store of bullion.

Accounts from Brussels announce that the Treaty of Commerce be- tween France and Belgium had been signed. The stipulations arc not known ; but it is believed that the duty on coal entering France is re- duced to 90 centimes the ton' and the duty on cast-iron to 2 francs 50 centimes, instead of 4 francs 50 centimes.

5talg•—The armistice at Gaeta has been agreed upon' and hostilities suspended until today. Francis II. having yielded to the Emperor Na- poleon, the French fleet was to leave on Thursday. Matters ought now to be speedily brought to an issue.

The Prince of Carignan has arrived at Naples, heralded by a procla- mation from Victor Emmanuel, saying that affairs of State compelled him to return to Turin ; that a domestic affliction had caused the resignation of Farini, and that the Prince of Carignan would govern in the King's name. "Show that you always fervently desire the unity of Italy exclaims the King. The Prince says- " I have come among you to hasten the work of unification and to main- tain public order. The Government will respect the Chervil and its minis- ters, provided the clergy obey the King, the statutes, and the laws." Ile promises administrative reforms, and concludes by expressing the hope that Gaeta will shortly fall, and that the Neapolitan provinces will be ready to make any sacrifice for the unity of Italy.

In Sicily, a popular rising has forced La Farina to resign, and a new Council has been appointed.

In the Abruzzi, Count Trapani maintains a hopeless conflict, supported by the intrigues of the Roman Court and the wreck of the Papal army on the frontier. The French neither meddle nor make, and indeed they have seized arms and "theatrical properties," otherwise peasants' cos- tumes, intended for the brigands of the Abruzzi.

The forced currency of Austrian paper in Venetia has increased the hostility to the Austrians. General Benedek has been on a tour in the Tyrol, returning to Verona on the 7th.

• At Trent, on the 4th, after having mustered the troops, some of whom were Italians, the Feldzeugmeister made a speech to the officers. He re- minded them of their duties to their Sovereign and country, advised them not to meddle with politics, and entreated them to treat the burghers with civility and kindness. Benedek addressed the first battalion of the regi- ment Archduke Henry,' in the Hungarian language but little of what he said could be heard, as the men continually shouted, 'Eljen, Eljen !' From Trento, the Austrian commander proceeded to Rocchetta, which is here called the 'key' to Lombardy and Venetia. Rocchetta, at the end of the valley of the Adige, has recently been strongly fortified. General Benedek, who is now at Verona, has completed his journey of inspection, and it is said that he is well satisfied with the state of the army, and of the fortresses. The health of the men is remarkably good, and there are supplies of all kinds in abundance. Two members of the Commissariat have recently been sen- tenced to imprisonment in a fortress for their misdeeds during the war, and the example appears to have produced a salutary effect on the whole depart- ment." The intentions of Garibaldi are matter of speculation. It is supposed that Count Cavour will endgavour to prevent him from making any move in the spring. General Tiler has gone to Caprera to expound the views of the King and Cavour, and to exhort Garibaldi to patience. There is a strong feeling that Garibaldi would commit a fatal mistake, were he to throw himself into Dalmatia with a view of rousing Hungary. The Italians are busy with their elections, and Count Cavour reckons on a good majority.

Vrumark.—The Schleswig-Holstein question is now again in the ascendant. The Danish Government seems disposed to make concessions, and to resist the action of the German Diet. The concessions are re- garded as inadequate by the German party. The Dagbladet recommends to Government the immediate formation of armaments, and the removal of the ammunitions and war materiel from Rendsberg and Holstein. Den- mark can only secure her natural allies by a courageous attitude.

The Berlingske Tiderals states that the works in the navy yard are being carried on as energetically as the state of the weather will permit ; and states that Government is about to publish a provisional law calling out 4000 sailors.

if IMI1114.—The Count Rechberg still holds the office of Minister for Foreign Affairs at Vienna, and no further steps have been taken publicly to establish the new state of things. The King of Prussia opened the session with a speech from the throne on the 14th. After lamenting the death of his brother, he spoke of the reform of the army, connecting the reference to it with his avowed re- solve to maintain the integrity of Germany. He looks with satisfaction on the state of the finances, and announces that his government, on behalf of the Zollverein, was about to open negotiations with France for a commercial treaty.

"In the course of last year, I succeeded in giving an increasingly favour- able character to the relations between the Great Powers, by personal in- terviews with the monarchs; and these are guarantees for the maintenance of the peace of Europe. "Impressed by the seriousness of the general situation of Europe, my Government is making incessant efforts to bring about a revision of the military constitution of the Confederation, in accordance with the con- stantly increasing military requirements of the present time. I confidently expect that these efforts will succeed, provided all the German Governments and all the German peoples unanimously recognize the chief need of the moment.

"In Electoral Hesse, a difference exists which my moderate and well- intentioned counsels have not succeeded in removing. The efforts of my Government have been constantly directed towards the reestablishment of the constitutional state of things. "I regret that the steps which Prussia, in concert with the other States of the Confederation, has taken for some vears past, to secure to the Ger- man Duchies united under the sceptre of 'the King of Denmark, a constitu- tion both regular and in accordance with the existing treaties, remain up to the present time without result. Prussia, together with her German allies, recognizes it as a national duty to obtain now a befitting solution of that question. "My Government has commenced at a troubled epoch; but, whatever may happen, I will maintain the principles I professed on accepting the Regency. The experience I have gained in applying them has only served to give me a higher idea of their value. Resolved to maintain and increase the efficiency of our institutions, and to promote energetically the national interests of Prussia and Germany, I find an unswerving adherence to this path the surest guarantee against the subversive spirit which at present pre- vails in Europe. " A Royal decree has been published proclaiming an amnesty for all such persons as have been found guilty of high treason treason against the country, offences against his Majesty, crimes and offences constituting an abuse of the rights of citizens, and for those persons who have been con- victed, according to civil law, for resisting the authorities of the State, or for disturbing public order. Permission to return freely is granted to those who, by taking to flight, have evaded judicial inquiry and legal judgment"; and, in the event of their being afterwards condemned, the Minister of Justice is to make proposals for their pardon. The King him- self will decide in the cases of those who have been condemned by mili- tary tribunals, provided they implore pardon.

ihugarg.—The national movement proceeds with unabated vigour. Its temper may be judged from the following programme, adopted by the Committee of Neutm county- " A responsible ministry for Hungary ; a Hungarian diet, elected on the basis of the law of 1848; the removal of all except Hungarian troops from Hungary ; the Hungarian troops to take an oath of fidelity to the consti- tution of 1848; reorganization of the national guard ; and, finally, a request to be made to Government that a liberal constitution may be granted to the other crown lands of Austria."

The Pesth county meeting resolved that the Diet ought to assemble without delay. The only change—it is a most important one—made by the Hungarians in the electoral law of 1848, is, that persons who are ig- norant of the Hungarian language can be returned to the Diet. All the dependencies of the Hungarian Crown have been invited to send repre- sentatives to the Diet, but it is not yet known whether Croatia will do so.

The people of Korea, holding that all Austrian laws since 1848 were illegal, began to sell tobacco in open market, contravening the tobacco monopoly law of the Government. Hence arose a riot, in which the troops fired on the people. The Burgomaster of Debreczin expressed a wish to read to the citizens, who were in conclave, certain instructions which he had received from the Tavemieus relative to the postponement of the election of the magistracy. As soon as the civil dignitary had done speaking, the assembly unanimously declared that it would not listen to the communication "as the Royal free cities had, by Article XIII. of the laws of 1848, been freed from the guardianship of the Ta- vemicus." The end of the matter was, that the instructions of the high functionary were "respectfully shelved." On the 8th instant, Baron Krauss, the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, declared that he had not ordered application to be made to the Saxon authorities for the extradition of Count Teleki. To this, the Pesth Ifirniik replies, that Baron Krauss obtained an order from the Judicial Senate, which was composed exclusively of Germans, the Hungarian judges having been altogether excluded. "Against this arbitrary proceeding,' continues the organ of the Hungarian Conservatives, "the Hungarian judges entered a formal protest." Count George Apponyi has been formally appointed Judea Carlin, in the place of Count Cziraky.

iiitt la ri.—Advioes from New York to the 3d of January have been received.

They bring most important statements. Mr. Buchanan, having re- fused to disavow the proceedings of Major Anderson at Charleston, and having declined to withdraw the troops from Fort Sumpter, Mr. Floyd, Secretary at War, made it a cabinet question, and being beaten he re- signed. He had pledged his word to the South Carolina people, that the status quo should remain unchanged. In a letter to the President he says that " the solemn pledges of the Government have been violated by Major Anderson. It is in vain now," he adds, "to hope for confidence on the part of the people of South Carolina." The only remedy was to withdraw the troops from Fort Sumpter. This was not complied with. Indeed, far other measures were taken, according to the New York papers of the 3d. "The President's reply to the Commissioners of South Carolina has just been communicated. They demanded, as a preliminary step to the initia- tion of negotiations, that the troops be withdrawn from the forts in Charles- ton harbour.

"The President positively refuses to do this, and reiterates his views in reference to the public property, as set forth in his Message to Congress, and informs them that he not only intends to collect the revenue, and execute the laws, but to defend the property of the United States with all the power at his command.

"He does not recognize the Commissioners officially, but regards them as distinguished citizens of the United States from South Carolina.

"The policy pursued, and the understanding had with South Carolina up to the evacuation of Fort Moultrie, are given, and the people of the United States will now understand what kind of pledges existed between the President and the authorities of South Carolina, and whether South Caro- lina will be sustained, even by the South, in taking possession of property which does not belong to her.

"The position taken by the President has produced the utmost con- sternation among the Commissioners and their friends.

"Instructions have been sent to the commander of the frigate Brooklyn, now at Norfolk, to put her in readiness, and be prepared to leave at a mo- ment's warning. The question of reinforcement has not been fully deter- mined on, but, should aniattack be made on Fort Sumpter, a large force will be at once despatched. The Commissioners have telegraphed to Governor Pickens all the contents of the President's letter, and also that they are satisfied that the President had determined to reinforce Major Anderson. They urge upon the Governor to put the State upon a war footing, and to concentrate all his force at ones.

"The President sent the name of Mr. M'Intire, of Pennsylvania, to the Senate today as Collector of Charleston. The President could not find a Southern man who would accept. He will, it is understood, be sent to Charleston in a revenue cutter, and, if not allowed to land, he will anchor off the harbour, and there collect the revenue. From the action of the Southern Senators today in refusing to go into executive session, to confirm the Collector of Charleston, it seems that they intend to resist his confirma- tion."

The Governor of New York, in opening the Legislature, declares for resistance to secession.

"A separation of one or more of the States, though called secession, and claimed to be lawful under rights erroneously supposed to have been reserved to the States, can nevertheless be practically nothing else than disunion; and disunion, so soon as it shall take its needful form and proportions mus i

reveal itself n the character of treason, which it will be the high duty of the General Government to arrest and punish. The laws of the United States must be executed ; the requirements of the Constitution must be ob- served. If the National Government is to exist, its power must be adequate to the enforcement of its laws in any of the States of the Union, and under any circumstances. To permit or to acquiesce in a treasonable conspiracy against the national authorities, is to confess that our Government is an ab- solute failure. The people of the State of New York, in my judgment, are not prepared for such an admission ; on the contrary, they will give to the Federal authorities, in the adoption of all wise, just, and necessary measures for the enforcement of the laws, their just, earnest, and faithful support." A resolution had been adopted in the New York Senate referring that portion of the Governor's Message relating to the crisis to a select com- mittee of five ; and Senator Spinola, Democrat, immediately offered a preamble and resolution authorizing the Governor to tender to the Na- tional Administration 10,000 of the Militia to put down insurrection in one portion of the country. Mr. Robinson offered a preamble and con- current resolutions, recommending, as a compromise on the Slavery question, that after the admission of Kansas as a State, with her present constitution, the whole remaining territory be divided into two great States, and admitted into the Union as soon as they adopt constitutions which are Republican in form.

The Governor of Pennsylvania denounces secession as treason, but urges compromise. On the other hand, Georgia is reported to have gone for immediate secession. The State troops of Georgia occupied the forts of Pulaski and Jackson, and the United States' arsenal in Savannah. A telegram from Richmond states that Governor Ellis, of North Carolina, had despatched troops to seize upon Fort Macon, at Beaufort, the forts at Wilmington, and the United States' arsenal at Fayetteville.

Large forces were arming in Maryland and Virginia ; and the two parties in the nation seemed on the eve of coming to blows.

The House of Representatives had rejected, by 98 to 55, a resolution declaring resistance to secession impracticable. In the Senate, Mr. Ben- jamin, of Louisiana, had made a fierce secession speech, and the galleries applauding, they were, after much ado, cleared. A private letter from General Wool, who commands the Eastern divi- sion of the army, to General Cass, has also been published. It was written when Mr. Cass was a member of the Cabinet. It is as follows— "(Private.)

"Troy, December 6, 1860.

"My dear General—Old associations and former friendship induce me to venture to address to you a few words on the state of the country. My letter is headed 'private,' because I am not authorized to address you officially.

I have read with pleasure the President's Message. South Carolina says she intends to leave the Union. Her representatives in Congress say she has already left the Union. It would seem that she is neither to be conciliated nor comforted. I command the Eastern Department, which includes South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. You know me well. I have ever been a firm, decided, faithful, and devoted friend of my country. If I can aid the President to preserve the Union, I hope he will command my services. It will never do for him or you to leave Washington, without every star in this Union is in its place. Therefore, no time should be lost, in adopting messes-es to defeat those who are conspiring against the Union. Hesitancy or delay may be no less fatal to the Union than to the President, or your own high standing as a statesman.

" It seems to use that troops should be sent to Charleston to man the forts in that harbour. You have eight companies at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Three or four of these companies should be sent without a moment's delay to Fort Moultrie. It will save the Union and the President much trouble. It is said that to send, at this time, troops to that harbour would produce great excitement among the people. That is nonsense, when the people are as much excited as they can be, and the leaders are determined to execute their long-meditated purpose of sepa- rating the State from the Union. Bo long as you command the entrance to the city of Charleston, South Carolina cannot separate herself from the Union. Do not leave the forts in the harbour in a condition to induce an attempt to take possession of them. It might easily be done at this time. I f South Carolina should take them, it might, as she anticipates, induce other States to join her. " Permit me to entreat you to urge the President to send at once three or four companies of Artillery to Fort Moultrie. The Union can be preserved, but it re- quires firm, decided, prompt, and energetic measures on the part of the President. He has only to exert the power conferred on him by the Constitution and laws of Congress, and all will be safe, and he will prevent a civil war, which never fails to call forth all the baser passions of the human heart. If a separation should take place, you may rest assured blood would flow in torrents, followed by pestilence, famine, and desolation ; and Senator Seward's irrbpressible conflict will be brought to a conclusion much sooner than he could possibly have anticipated. Let use con- jure you to save the Union, and thereby avoid the bloody and desolating example of the States of Mexico. A separation of the States will bring with it the desolation of the Cotton States, which are unprepared for war. Their weakness will be found in the number of their slaves, with but few of the essentials to carry on war, while the Free States have all the elements and materials for war, and to a greater extent than any other people on the face of the globe.

" Think of these things, my dear General, and save the country, and save the prosperous South from pestilence, famine, and desolation. Peaceable secession is not to be thought of. Even if it should take place in three months we would have a bloody war on our hands. " Very truly your friend, " Joinv E. WOOL. " Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C."

(1i11 g. —A batch of despatches from China were published last week in the Gazette, the latest date being Tien-tsin, November 17. The treaty of Tien-tsin and the Convention of Pekin had been ordered by Imperial edict to be published throughout the empire, the language of the edict being " full and satisfactory." Lord Elgin had taken leave of Prince Kung, and Mr. Bruce had been introduced to the Chinese Minister as the Queen's Ambassador, Lord Elgin making the Prince understand that Mr. Bruce's rank was in no degree inferior to that of his brother. Lord Elgin had decided that Mr. Bruce should not at once re- side at Pekin, because General Ignatieff was about to quit the capital, and Baron Gros thought it not desirable that the French Ambassador should remain there. Mr. Adkins, a promising student interpreter, was left at Pekin to prepare for the future residence of Mr. Bruce, who took his quarters at Tien-tsin. Mr. Bruce, writing to Lord John Russell on the lfith, gives an interesting account of his interview with Prince Kung— "Lord Elgin will have informed your Lordship of the grounds on which it was decided that the Ministers should not take up their residence imme- diately at the capital. I was, however, presented to the Imperial Prince Rung, as her Britannic Majesty's Minister in China. He returned the visit next morning before our departure, and I took that opportunity to press strongly on his consideration the situation of the province of Kiangsoo, the fact that the presence of the Allied troops alone preserved Shanghai from falling into the hands of the rebels, and the impossibility of our occu- pation being prolonged indefinitely. I urged upon him the necessity of immediate steps being taken to restore the authority of the Imperial Go- vernment in the province, and represented to him that he was misled in supposing that our interest would lead us to bold Shanghai for the Impe- rialists, if the province and the principal marts in it remained in the hands of the rebels. I pointed out to him the anomalous position in which I was placed, in upholding the authority of a Government which pursued a hos- tile and defiant course of policy towards us, against the insurgents, whose professions and declarations, at all events, were couched in a friendly spirit. I hinted that the best means of counteracting these impressions, which could not fail to act unfavourably on opinion in England, would be to send an Ambassador us a pledge of the intention of the Chinese to conduct their foreign relations in a different spirit.

"The Prince listened with great attention and interest. He expressed himself as greatly obliged for information, much of which was new to him, in terms which certainly seemed to recognize the benefit his Government would thus derive from direct personal intercourse with foreign Ministers."

Part of the English troops were on their way home, and the French had embarked for Shanghai and Cochin China. Chefoo, however, was to be held by the French, and the Miatan Islands by the English, until the indemnity is paid. The Times has published a strange letter, addressed by the chief of the Taepings to Lord Elgin, asking why he does not treat with him. The Taeping leader urges similarity of religious belief as a ground of inter- course— " Now, as to the honourable countries the several Ministers of which are at Shanghai fostering the establishment of factories for commerce, I beg to remark to them, that as commerce for these several past years in succession has been going on as it should, why not pursue the same road as in former days ? I myself am willing to treat with the several Ministers, and accord- ing to the constant regulations govern all the laws of the custom-houses in relation to receiving duties, entirely acting upon the prepared rules, most certainly not increasing the duties ; because our heavenly dynasty, together with these honourable countries, revere the same heavenly system of wor- ship, so that it may be said that all we under heaven so doing appertain to one family. Why should not all the brethren of the four seas throughout the world, East, 'West, North, and South, pursue the practice of peace and goodwill towards each other? Taking all together, I beseech your honour- able countries to exercise liberality of thought towards us."

if Pitt 2ralanti.—In our Postscript of Saturday we were able to give the substance of the official despatches from Auckland, describing the battle of Mahoetahi and defeat of the invading Waikatos. The two moat interesting are as follows- " Head-quarters, New Plymouth, Taranaki, November 6. " Sir—I have the honour to state, for the information of your Excellency and the Memberi of the Government, that yesterday afternoon, information reached me that the Waikatos had crossed the Waitara river that morning in force, to join Wirimu Kingi, and that they would possibly next morning be in the neighbourhood of Mahoetahi. I at once arranged that a force from this and another from the camp at the Waitara should march so as to join early in the morning at that place ; we did so, and met the Waikatos, and after an action which last about two hours they were defeated and fled, with very considerable loss. I write these hurried lines, and send them by the Victoria, to enable you to communicate with the Home Government by the present mail, and will send full details hereafter. "Among the killed are three very influential chiefs. The first, lam told, was tha leading chief in the Maori Bing movement ; the two others were powerful and leading men. There are also many other chiefs killed of minor importance. I enclose lists of those already known up to this hour. ,

"Our loss was two officers and fourteen men wounded, and four men killed ; nothing could exceed the behaviour of the troops of all arms, as I shall detail at length in my despatch. The loss of the enemy is not yet ascertained, but, from the number killed and buried, I should the say they must have had between 80 and 100 killed and wounded.

"I enclose an insulting letter sent by the Waikato chiefs a few days ago, „and it is a curious fact that the two chiefs who signed it were both killed the very day after they crossed the Waitara.

"In communication with the gentlemen of the Native Department, I brought into town the bodies of the three principal chiefs for proper inter- ment; the other Waikatos killed were interred in a pit on the field. We have taken six prisoners and a considerable number of very fine arms, rifles, and double-barrelled guns.

"I shall be obliged by the Victoria being sent back without delay, as I have discharged the Wonga \Vona.

"I have the honour to be, your Excellency's most obedient servant, "1'. S. PRATT, Major-General Commanding. "To his Excellency Colonel Gore Browne, C.B., Governor and Commander- in-Chief, New Zealand."

" Pukekohe, November 1, 1860.

"'To Mr. Parris—Friend---I have heard your word. Come to fight me, that is very good ; come inland, and let us meet each other. Fish fight at sea—come inland, and stand on our feet ; make haste, make haste, don't prolong it. That is all I have to say to you—make haste. "'From WETINI TAIPORUTU.

"'From POROKORU.

" From all the Chiefs of Ngatihaua and Waikato. True copy, "'R. CAREY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Deputy- Adjutant-General.'" From other sources we learn that the advance of the Waikatos was first discovered on the 5th, by the troops at Walton, who were engaged in bridging a swamp between that post and Mahoetahi, when they were assailed by a distant fire. Hearing this, the general planned and exe- cuted the movement he has himself described. The Natives fought very gallantly. General Pratt does not mention that the Volunteers were en-

gaged ; but, in reality, they fought in the front line with the regulars, and of the four killed, two were Volunteers. The officers wounded were --Captain Turner and Colonel Sillery. Mahoetabi was, after the fight, occupied as an advanced post. It is remarkable that William King and his party, though near at hand, took no part in the action.

lush 3.—Accounts from Melbourne bring the news of the fall of the Ministry of Mr. Nicholson, who was defeated upon an amendment to the address upon the Governor's speech. Mr. Brooke, the mover of the amendment, was called upon to form an Administration, which he did on the 24th November ; the Ministry is thus made up.

Chief Secretary Mr. Reales. Attorney-General Mr. Ireland. Treasurer . Mr. Verdon.

Public Works Mr. Johnston.

Lands and Survey Mr. Brooke. Trade and Customs Mr. Anderson.

Postmaster-General Some member of the Upper House not yet obtained.

Department of Mines Mr. Humffray. Department of Railways Mr. Loader.

In order to complete this arrangement, the office of Solicitor-General is abolished, and the two last offices are new creations. This the Governor (with advice, &c.) has power to do, provided he does not exceed the 14,000/. assigned by the Constitution Acts to Ministerial salaries.

The Melbourne Argus states some facts respecting a gentleman well known in Europe—Mr. Gavan Duffy. "Mr. Brooke has got rid of the difficulty by passing over a political asso- ciate, who certainly- was more constant and true to him. Mr. Duffy, by the way, has lately delivered a lecture, having for its object the removal of cer- tain misconceptions of the London press as to the condition of this colony. The principal subject he discussed was the views adopted by The Times, as to the short duration of our Ministries. He collected a considerable num- ber of instances of Ministries in England of very short duration, and in- vited the inference that the House of Commons is as fickle in its support of Ministers as the House of Assembly of Victoria. There is a fallacy in this argument. Mr. Duffy selects the shortest Ministries in England only, and compares them generally with ours, whereas he should have compared ave- rages. Our constitution has been in operation (rejecting odd days) four years and two months, and we have had live Ministries. Mr. Haines's first Ministry lasted five months after it became responsible to a representative As- sembly; Mr. G'Shanassy's first Ministry lasted only two months; Mr. Hainea's second Ministry ten months ; Mr. O'Shanassy's second Ministry twenty months ; Mr. Nicholson's Ministry, thirteen months; the average being just ten months."

There are now two exploring expeditions traversing this insular con- tinent to the Northward—one promoted by South Australia, under Mr. Stuart, an experienced and successful explorer, and the other from this colony, under Mr. Burke, an untried man. Our expedition has received a cheek by the quarrels of the first and second in command, Mr. Burke and Mr. Landells. The object of both expeditions is to cross the conti- nent to the Northern coast, the practicability of which seems to be almost demonstrated. Mr. Stuart, in his recent rapid march, reached lat. 18' 17' S., and long. 134' E., which is to the North of the Southern shore of the Gulf of Carpentaria. It also overlaps the line which has been reached from the North by the Victoria River, Mr. Stuart reports a large portion of the interior fit for pastoral purposes, and the hypothesis of a great central desert—an inference drawn partly from our hot winds and partly from geological data—seems to be exploded. Mr. Stuart has again started, and such information as he has afforded—not a very ample amount—has been forwarded to Mr. Burke, who is clothed with a discre- tion to proceed Northwards or bend more to the Westward.

The state of trade is healthy. There is no want of money ; discount shows a tendency to decline. The amount of deposits in the several banks exceeds 7,500,0001. to a population of 540,000. The production of gold, as shown by the escort returns, is considerably less than last year—namely, 1,823,326 ounces, against 2,011,325 last year; but the number of persons employed in mining is considerably less than last year, and the yield per man is greater. There is a considerable exten- sion of agriculture and other productive industry. The shipments of gold are 8,199,224 ounces, against 2,044,581 ounces last year. The fol- lowing gold ships have sailed since the last snail—Wellesley, 32,854 oz.; Stratheden, 49,010 ox., Ease; 14,845 oz. ; and the Champion of the Seas, 9164 oz. As usual, the Land question is uppermost in Australia generally. In Victoria, the Land Bill was brought into operation on the 1st of Novem- ber, by proclaiming commons near most of the centres of population to the extent of about 500,000 acres. At the same time, nearly 200,000 acres were announced as open for selection, at 11. per acre. These are lands previously surveyed. The surveys for the purposes of the Act are proceeding, and it is anticipated that a large quantity of rich land in the Western district will soon be open for selection at the same price. The small capitalist who desires to become a yeoman proprietor, can select without competition, and by paying for one section he can lease three times the extent of his purchase, ith the privilege of purchasing at the same price when his means permit. But in New South Wales, a con- test between the Squatting party and the Government has produced a dissolution of Parliament.

Sir William Denison leaves Sydney to assume the Governorship of Madras; his successor was not known.