SAMOA.

From Samoan papers to tho 16th ult., we cull the following items : —

Quito an excitement was occasioned on Saturday afternoon last, when thoL.M.S. barque John Williams returned unexpectedly to Apia. She left here a week before on her regular cruise to the Hervey Group, and was to call, if practicable, at Niue ; and she was nob expected back in Samoa bhis cruise. The appearance of her head sails showed there was something wrong, and the Revs. W. E. Clarke and A. E. Claxton immediately went on board. The captain reported thab when within, a few leagues of Savage Island, the bowsprit, which was iron, had broken. After the accidenb the John Williams went on to Savage Island, where she discharged cargo and took in a few tons of yams. Captain Turpie then determined bo come on to Apia ior repairs, which are now being effected. A wooden bowsprit will replace the iron one.

Preparations are being made for the reception of the Chief Justice, Mr Cederkrantz, who is expected in Samoa by the next mail.

The man, Hermann Schwebke, of H.I.G.M.S. Sperber, who was so terribly bitten by a shark on Augusb Bth, has made an almost miraculous recovery under tho skilful treatment of Dr. Funk. The shark musb have been of the most ferocious species. It first took a piece off the man's foot, and after the man was lifbed to the bottom of the ladder, the shark jumped clean out of the water, and tore away the flesh from his hips and portion of hia legs. Under these circumstances the man's recovery is wonderful. It is said he will be able to walk about in a week or two, but of course will never again be fit for duty.