The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-31 00:00:00

instructions, and as they are not to be sent until
the 2d of October mail, he has written to say that
he will land in Wellington about Christmas. Sir
George Grey will before that date retire to his pri-
vate residence at Kawau, where he expects to re-
ceive a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh when the
Galatea calls at Auckland. The change of Go-
vernors at this particular moment is very unfor-
tunate, and will seriously interfere with the pro-
gramme of the Prince's reception. It was Sir
George Grey's intention to escort his Royal High-
ness overland from Tauranga, through Tango, to
Wellington. The lake and hot spring districts
would have afforded novel and enjoyable travel,
and the effect of the Prince's presence at the great
intended gathering of natives would have left a
lasting beneficial effect on the peace of the country.
I hear this morning that, in consequence of the
letters which Sir G. Grey has received from Sir G.
Bowen, he intends leaving for England on the Bth
of November, but no certainty can be placed on
his present intentions.

THE EARTHQUAKES AT ST. 7HOMAS

The West Indian newspapers received by the pre
sent mail contain some interesting particulars in
relation to the terrible earthquakes that recently
devastated the Island of St. Thomas when the de-
structive hurricane bad ceased. After the tidal
wave and the earthquakes had destroyed the town,
for about five days bread was very dear, the loz.
loaf selling for 25 cents. The Government was com-
pelled to take decisive steps so that selfish traders
might not, by the imposition of heavy charges
for articles of daily consumption, add unduly to
the severe distress of the community. Finding
several stores had been closed and the merchants
refused to do business, probably with the intention
of running prices up to an exorbitant figure, the
chief authorities ordered out a detachment of
100 soldiers, and in due order opened the closed
buildings, took away to ;,he court-house such
necessaries as the inhabitants needed, and had
them sold there under proper supervision. Rob-
beries were of daily occurrence in the town,
and thieves were caught stripping copper
from the wrecked vessels. On one occasion at
night some scoundrels got up a sudden alarming
cry, " The sea roller is coming 1" Numbers of the
inhabitants rushed wildly from their shelter, calling
for mercy in the agony of fright. The authors of
the alarm thereupon went into the vacant dwel-
lings and plundered everything they could find.
The packet ships were obliged to anchor
off the town on. account of the difficulty
of navigating the harbour because of the
great number of wrecks there. In many places
were to be seen masts and other ships gear
above water, while all along the beach lay wrecks
and portions of vessels. Every lighter in the har-
bour, as also every wharf round it, had gone to
pieces. The damage done by the earthquakes was
estimated at £30,000—quite as great as that wrought
by the hurricane. A ship of large tonnage, wrecked,
was sold for $64. A 64-pounder gun was blown from
the fort on which it was mounted, and, making a
circle, carried away the mast of a vessel anchored
some distance from the spot. The number of
ives lost by the hurricane and earthquakes toge-
ther is put down at 700—at least so many corpses
,nave been interred. A number of dead bodies in
the last stage of putrefaction were gathered from
the harbour. So great was the consternation that
many persons had left in droghQrs for the Leeward
Islands. No intelligence whatever had been received
from the other islands. Business in St. Thomas was
almost suspended. Provisions, however, were no
longer very scarce.
g

NEW AluslC.—Another issue of new music, both
vocal and instrumental, has just been made by
Messrs. R. Cocks and Co., of New I3urlington-street, which
will be particularly acceptable at this festive time of year.
Amongst the new ballads we must specially mention—
" Sunshine," by Miss Montmorency ; " Far Away," by
Miss Lindsey ; and "My Mother's Name," by the prolific
song writer Mr. Wrighton, which will certainly secure many
admirers, as they are very graceful melodies, and, at the same
time, very nicely arranged. Amongst the new instrumental
music we have the " Brighton Quadrilles," by Liebich,
"uighlrnd Home," by Lemoine, both being highly effec-
tive, and particularly lively. There aro also two admir-
able fantasies—" Home they brought her Warrior Dead,"
by Kuhe, and "The Gipsy Countess," by Rockstro, of
more than ordinary brilliancy. The new addition to the
music for the pianoforte is particularly well-timed. It will
prove a valuable addition to the repertoire of every instru-
mentalist possessing judgment and good taste, and will
at the same time form a very acceptable New Year's
gift.
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