THE SOUDAN WAR

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 115, 14 March 1885, Page 2

THE SOUDAN WAR

[SEUTEBS TKLKGBAMB.] London, March 11. It is reported that the Mahdi has retreated from Khartoum southward to Abdah Island, in consequence of the scarcity of food, and on account of the discontent amongst his followers. The Times trusts that the loyal enthusiasm displayed by the colonies in regard to assistance for the Soudan will induce an adhesion to the further offers made in case of their being required for other foreign, service. It is impossible that any reduction in the present bank rate will take place. Suakim, March 12. The rebels in the vicinity of this place are daily displaying increasing boldness. A large body attacked the British outposts last night and in the fighting which ensued several British soldiers were killed besides a number wounded. Melboubne, March 13. The Victoria, South Australian, and Queensland Governments, after consulting as to the propoced joint contingent for the Soudan, desire to obtain further information from the Agents-Generals, and the question is consequently in abeyance. In some quarters it is considered that the Anglo-Russian question has altered the situation as regards the colonial troops for the Soudan. The Victorian Cabinet has had the question as to local defences under consideration, but the decision in the matter is kept secret. [PKB UNITED PBEBS ASSOCIATION.] Auckland. March 13. It is stated here that negotiations are in progress with one of the other colonies to send two hundred and fifty picked men out of the Auckland contingent for the Soudan.