CHINA. (From the Sydney Herald, March 17.)

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 192, 1 April 1848, Page 3

CHINA. (From the Sydney Herald, March 17.)

H ONGKong papers to the 23rd December, one week later than those which had previously been received came to hand yesterdayi From a supplement to the Hongkong Reguter of that day we learn that four Chuidrtien, who are described as principal criminals, although how they were ascertained to be so does not appear, were executed near the place where the murders of our unfortunate countrymen were supposed to have taken place, and that others wer& to be punished in various degrees. Sir John Davis informs British subjects that security tor the futme will lie exacted ; bu 1 does not htate in what manner it is to be obtained. The promptness with which the Chine c authorities complied with the commands of llci Majesy's Plenipotentiary has prevented any immediate collision between the two Governments ; but the feelings of the people evidently are so hostile towards foreigners, that further outrages are expected by those who are well acquainted with the Chinese character. We give below contents of the supplement we have referred to. News has just been received from Canton that Sir John Davis has at last agreed to receive the heads of four Chinamen as a compensation for the late murder. Early on the moinmg of the 21st, the Pluto proceeded to the village of Hwang chuh-ke, having on board about forty soldiers who landed close to where the unfortunate young men went ashore. Two hundred Chinese soldiers were on the other, to witness the execution. "We hear that the men looked fresh and not as if taken from prison ; great crowds of Chinese could be seen at a distance, but there was no attempt at resistance. It is reported in Canton, the four who have now been beheaded are voluntary victims, that oflered themselves on condition of a reward being bc&towed on their families.