BRITISH TROOPS FALLING BACK.

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 106, 21 February 1885, Page 2

BRITISH TROOPS FALLING BACK.

MAHDI AT THE HEAD OP FIFTY THOUSAND MEN. DEATH OF GENEEAL STEWART. (RETJTEe's TELEGRAMS.) Caibo, February 18. Intelligence has been received that the British troops on Saturday last abandoned Gubat, on the Nile above Metemneh, and retired to Abuklea, to the northward. The movement was effected without molestation from the enemy. It is possible that the troops will further fall back on Gakdul, where water is obtainable. It is reported that the Madhi with fifty thousand followers left Khartoum, and is marching on Metemneh. London, February 18. The Times states that the Government ought to overrule the decision given by the War Office in refusing assistance from Victoria, as such refusal is likely to cause di6gust with the Government. Sir Stafford Northcote gave a notice of motion censuring tbe Egyptian policy of the Government. Sydnby. February 20. The Patriotic Fund is daily increasing, and the arrangements for the despatch of troops are progressing favourably. The day of embarkation will be observed as a public holiday, and be attended with considerable eclat. Melbourne, February 20. Mr Service, Premier, has not yet received an official reply to the offer of Victorian troops for the Soudan. [PEB UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, February 19. It is understood that the Government have received communications from volunteers and others, urging that a New Zealand contingent for the Soudan should be formed, but the Government do not consider it desirable to take any action in the matter. Some young Auckladers are said to be resolved on going to Sydney to offer their services in the force to be sent to to the Soudan. [beutebs telegrams.] Beceirdd February 21, 10 50 a.m. Cairo, Feb. 19. News is to hand that Major-General Sir Herbert Stewart died on Monday last at Gakdul from injuries received at the battle near Metemneh on 19th nit.