No combined resistance was made by the natives, but whilst the French wai'ship Decres was at Huaine a misunderstanding arose, whioh resulted .in the death of Lieu tenant Denot, and the wounding of Beveral seamen. A watering party has been sent ashore ia charge of Denot, and a shot was fired from the slip as a signal for the men to return, but this waa mistaken by the natives as a signal for the commencement of hostilities, and they fired upon the party, with the result stated. The matter was afterwards explained, and the native chief next day went on board tho Doores and made signs of submission, express- j ing his regretat his unfortunate mistake and its consequences, and stated that the natives in the three islands are agreeable to the French occupation.
ABBIVAL OF CABLE 6TBAMBK

Wellington, May 15. The cable steamer Sherard Osborne has arrived. The weather is iiotv favorable, and she will probably com mence work at once.
BEAM OF COAL FOUSD.
Ohristohuboh, May 15. Mr Cloudesley, of Castle Hill, has found a seam of coal extending over two miles on Craigieburn run, about a mile from the Midland Railway route. The coal is pronounced to ue far superior to any found on this side of the island.
