FILIBUSTERING EXPEDITION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 12, 15 April 1871, Page 3

FILIBUSTERING EXPEDITION.

In the Legislative Assembly, yesterday afternoon, the Hon. member for the Southern Goldfields (Mr Baker) asked whether there was any truth in the statement that the Government bad received information from the Imperial authorities to the effect that a filibustering expedition had left America with the intention of visiting the Australian coloniess ? Sir James Martin replied that Lord Belmore had received a telegram from the Governor" of South Australia. The hon. and learned Premier read a portion of the message, which so far as it relatss to this matter is in the following words : <k From the Secretary of State for the Colonies, " London, 16th February. " The British Government have received a statement, which they do not credit, but which they think it right to make known to the colonies, that a filibustering expedition is to leave the United States this month for Melbourne, Sydney, and Qtago." We are informed that, upon receipt of this information, Sir James Martin communicated with Commodore Stirling, who arrived here on Saturday last, from New Zealand. It is said that the Commodore will remain on this station for some time, unless he receive instructions from England which necessitate his departure. He has promised to assist the Government in connection with the defences of the harbor. He yesterday visited the fortifications in company with the Ministers and the members of the Defence Commission. It was thought prudent to push on the armament towards a more speedy completiou, and now nearly tweuty guns are

on the way. The men of the Clio will assist in putting them in position, and also, if necessary, in guarding them until a local force can be embodied to perform that duty. By to-morrow evening four of the batteries will lie armed, and it is confidently expected that before the end of this week, owing to the energy of the Governor, and the cordial co-operation of the Commodore, we shall be in a position to defend ourselves against any expedition such as that referred to in the telegram. The pits are ready, and the scarping is being finished as quickly as possible. The contractors have received special instructions to apply themselves to those works which are requisite to make the batteries effective, and additional labor has been employed, though not to the extent set forth in some exaggerated statements which have gained currency. One pit at Bradley's Head is sufficiently finished to receive a 68-pounder which will be placed there immediately. Four 68-pounders and 10-inch guns will be put in position at George's Head. Six guns (68 pounders) will be sent to Middle Head. Four will be forwarded to the inner South Head, and two will be placed on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. All these guns are now on the wharf. North Shore, and when in position they will be a caution to fillibusters. It was the intention of the Commodore to have the Clio immediately docked, for tbe purpose of more effectually repairing the damage she sustained a short time before her arrival in port; but we belive he will not now allow her to remain in dock for any considerable time. If the injuries that she has received require that she should be long in the hands of the shipright, it is likely that the Commodore will defer the execution of repairs necessary to fit his ship for a long cruise, and that for the present the Clio will be anchored in Watson's Bay. The batteries will be ready for action in a day or two. The arrival of the Clio is opportune. Our volunteers are efficient. Communication by coast telegraph is complete. Under these circumstances it will be the opinion of most people that Sydney has little reason to fear for its safety. A filibustering expedition could hardly be organised and equipped without observation. If it consisted of sailing vessels its progress would be very slow and uncertain ; if of steamers it must coal, and it is much more likely that it would be intercepted or fall a prey to British cruisers, than that it would enrich itself with Australian gold.