SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1866.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 233, 26 March 1866, Page 2

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1866.

The English news by this months' mail is dark and gloomy. The loss of the London is a calamity which cannot fail to be regarded in the light of a public affliction throughout the whole of the Australian Colonies. Among the long list of the lost are many names which, even at this remote corner of New Zealand, will to many convey the intelligence that an " old familiar friend " is gone to his last horne — that the billows of the dreaded Biscay roll over his earthly remains. Among the persons lost are may who have been long known and respected in Victoria. Eev. Dr Deader, Mr Eentos", Mr De Pass, Mr G. Y. Brooke, and others, are all well known, to nearly the whole of the inhabitants of this and the neighboring Colonies. Mr Eentost was the owner of the run upon which the Bendigo Diggings are. When gold was first found, he earned the respect and esteem of all classes, from the frank and generous exertions he made to facilitate, rather than retard mining operations — the liberal assistance offered to the unfortunate, and the encouragement he gave to all. The Eev. Mr Draper is another whose rememberance will be cherished by thousands of the colonists throughout the whole of the colonies. Eor nearly a score years he has been acknowledged as among the ablest, most earnest, and persevering clergymen which the "Wesleyan denomination had — a christian in practice as well as precept, liberal-minded, and yet earnest in promoting the progress of the church to which he belonged ; during the very many years he labored in New South Wales, New Zealand, Victoria, and Tasmania — he made many, very many friends, and but few enemies. In whatever spot in the whole of the Australia's, Methodism has gained a footing, the lamentable death of the Eev. Mr Draper will be mourned over with deep and sincere sorrow. Then again, there is Mr G. V. Brooke, a gentleman who stood at the head of his profession — as a tragedian, few have equalled him, and none surpassed him as an accomplished and natural actor. It is not only his professional talent which will cause many to regret his untimely death; but the innate goodness of his nature — he was a generous, open-handed man. No benevolent institution or charity was ever allowed to sink into difficulties if he could help them j his purse, as well as his services, were ever at the command of the poor and needy. It is folly to particularise, To quote a writer fn. tbe. 4rsm ;W* A ca^&opks W&& tb&

is one of those disturbing forces in society df which the shock is felt through all its various ramifications. Eich and poor, the clergyman, the actor, the professional man, and the laborer, all are engulphed in the same vortex, and each has a separate baind of mourners to deplore his fate. It would be invidious to select any one of the victims for special regret where all appear to have done and have died with equal co:arage and resignation." 'The political events for the month are mere than usually tame. America is once mo re disposed to befriendly with England ; talk of " imperative demands " and the tail, declamation of the American press have subsided. The Mexican question, hoMrever, still forms a topic for discussion, and a determination to resist the Najpo-leon-cw«-Masimiliajs" arrangements is distinct. The Negro difficulty is not approaching a termination. The South is settling down to a recognition of the Union, and cultivation is again being entered into with spirit. The Jamaica Eebellion question is perhaps the most important item of general news. A great outcry has been raised by the Exeter Hall legislators against Governor Eyre for the energetic action he adopted to repress the recent rebellion, and great efforts ?je being made in England to show that ■*;he " docile black men " have been most harshly treated. The " Eenian " bubble has burst, and many deluded individuals in Ireland have been sentenced to heavy pemal servitude, while the American Eenian Government have a split among themselves, which will, no doubt, result in a disbandment ef the Association. The war between Spain and the South American States still continues. The question which, perhaps, more im-m-ediately concern us is the radical changes which are contemplated in England. It is now become known as a fact, that Earl Eussei, has determined to press a Eeform Bill, wliich gives the franchise to almost every man, in fact a manhood suffrage measure, and intimated that the Government mU make this a Ministerial question. The Political Crisis in Victoria is commanding much attention, and Sir Chasles Darling is condemned by the Times in unmeasured terms, for the support he has give to the Assembly in. its war with the Council; other papers of reputation strongly defend the conduct of the Governor of Victoria. New Zealand affairs still command attention, and General Cameron appears energetic in his advocacy of the cause of the "noble" natives of New Zealand, and complains of the actions of the Colonial Government. — " m