MAHDI'S ADVANCE INTO EGYPT PROPER.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3907, 28 January 1884, Page 3

MAHDI'S ADVANCE INTO EGYPT PROPER.

PHYLLOXERA IN VICTORIA.

THE ORIENT AND P. AND 0. MAIL

SERVICES

THE GOLD WITHDRAWAL FOR

AUSTRALIA

THE GOVERNORSHIP OF VICTORIA,

THE ANNEXATIONOFNEW GUINEA.

LONDON

January la. It is reported that El Mahdi and his followers hare approached towards the White Nile, which separatee the Soudan, from JE'TPfc Proper, and have occupied Scnnor, the' granary of Khortoum, and other adjacent places. Specimens of insect-infected vines forwarded from Victoria to London have been subjected to a most thorough and searching examination by competent etymologists, and their reports on the subject state that the insects are undoubtedly phylloxera, and they advise that the roots of all infected vines should bo promptly destroyed, and the ground burnt, submerged, or saturated with bi-sulphicle of carbon. When either of these measures hag been taken, it is also recommended as a strict conviction that the ground shall remain disused for several years. Representations have been made to Mr Fawcett, Postmaster-General, as to the delay in sending Victorian letters by the Orient steamers unless specially marked for transmission by these liners. Mr Fawcett has refused to comply with the request, but has promised to make enquiry into the matter with the view of ascertaining' what re-adjustment Victoria needed to equalise the T. and O. -with the Orient service. Much excitement has been caused in commercial circles by tho announcement that a shipment of £50,000 was recently made to Australia. The Standard, commenting on the fact to-day, states that tho secrecy which has been shown over the matter was likely to prove damaging to the colony, and would perhaps interfere with the subscription to the Victorian loan. It was generally credited that Sir Hercules Robinson, Governor of the Capo Colony, would be appointed to succeed the Marquis of Normauby as Governor of Victoria, but doubts are now entertained as to whether he can be spared from his present position. Earl Derby has received a communication from Baron Macklay in which he advocates the annexation of New Guinea by tho British Government.