LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2335, 21 February 1884, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. HOMEWARD MAILS. STAFFORD NORTHCOTE’S MOTION ON THE POLICY OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN EGYPT. THE OPPOSITION DEFEATED. BRADLAUGH AGAIN ELECTED FOR NORTHAMPTON. INCREASE OF THE BRITISH ARMY IN EGYPT. VICTORIA’S OFFER OF GUNBOATS FOR RED SEA SERVICE. (Received February 21, la.m.) London, February 21. The Homeward mails via San Francisco, from Auckland, January 8, were delivered to-day. Arrived, at Plymouth, to-day, the P. and O. steamship Shannon, from Melbourne, January 3rd. (Received February 21, noon) February 20. In the House of Commons last night the adjourned debate on Sir Stafford Northcote’s motion that the recent disasters to Egyptian arras in the Soudan were the results of the wavering policy of the British Government in connection with Egyptian affairs was resumed, and, after further discussion, the motion was negatived on a division by a majority of 49 votes. The Parnellite party voted with the minority and against the Government.

Chas. Bradlaugh, who recently resigned his seat in the House of Commons as junior member for Northampton, presented himself yesterday for re-election, and was returned by a larger majority than that which he secured on the occasion of his last election. In compliance with the request of Major Sir Evelyn Baring, the strength of the British army in Egypt is about to be increased. Orders have been issued at the Horse Guards for the transfer of an additional battalion of artillery, from Malta to Alexandria, and arrangements are being made for their transhipment without delay. Mr Murray Smith, Agent-General for Victoria has received a reply from the Admiralty to his offer on behalf of his Government to place the Victorian gunboats Victoria, Albert, and Childers, at the disposal of the Imperial Government for service in the Red Sea. Their lordships declined to accept the services of the gunboats on the terms offered ; but if the status of the vessels as men-of-war be conceded by the colonial authorities, their lordships will request that the commanders of the gunboats be instructed to report themselves to Admiral Hewett, in case their services are required.

[special to press association.] London, February 14. The Times warmly commends the good feeling and loyal attachment to the Mother country shown by the offer of the Victorian Government in reference to its gunboats. It is generally believed in official circles that Lord Derby is disappointed that the Australasian Colonies have not stated the amounts which they are prepared to contribute towards strengthening the British squadron, and extending the authority of the Crown in the Pacific. A vote of ten million francs has been placed upon the French estimates for giving effect to the provisions of the Becidiviste Bill. It is considered unlikely that the present Australasian Governors will be appointed to succeed the Marquis of Norraanby in Victoria, as it is desired to secure the services of a new and strong man as Governor of that colony. February 17. A great struggle has taken place between the adherents of Sir Stafford Northcote, and the followers of Lord Randolph Churchill for the Presidency of the Central Tory Union, which means the control of the whole electoral machinery of the party. The result was the election of Lord Randolph Churchill as president. J

It is feared that the ship Alexander Duthie, from Sydney to London, has foundered at sea. It is considered probable that the Admiralty will accept the temporary services of the Victorian gun boats on the Egyptian Coast. A number of mutinous soldiers, claiming to represent the Egyptian army, have protested against being called upon to serve in the Souakim, and have petitioned the Khedive to dismiss all British officers. The Arab Notables have been summoned to meet Gordon Pasha at Khartoum. The Servian Ministry have resigned. The Admiralty Court attributes the collision between the Ghargee and Welwyn, in August last, to the fault of the Ghargee. The beat portion of the frozen mutton ex the steamer Tongariro from New Zealand has maintained a price of 6d per lb. Eeports have been received that the garrison at Cenkar and Kesalimer are retiring towards Khartoum, and that El Mahdi has raised a rebellion. The followers of the False Prophet are preparing for hostile measures near Khartoum. It is generally believed that the extent of the transports indicates that the British intend sending an expedition to Berber. Sir John Hall will shortly leave for New Zealand. Small-pox is raging at Khartoum. [SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE AGE,] London, February 5. The fresh disaster at Sinkat has caused a profound sensation throughout Egypt, and there is quite a panic in Cairo. Souakim is now threatened by the victorious rebels, and desperate precautions are being made for its defence. It is feared that the safety of the Governor of Soudan, Major General Gordon is imperilled. He is in the neighborhood of Koroska. Admiral Hewett has landed a body of marines for the defence of the town. The entrenchments are occupied by marines, and are protected by the guns of the Admiral’s flagship. The country between Berber and Khartoum is in a state of tranquility. The natives show every disposition to assist the Egyptian Government in putting down the rebellion. In Souakim active preparations are being made to resist any attack from the Arabs. Baker Pasha is co-operating with Admiral Hewett in organising the defence of the town, upon which an attack is expected, and reinforcements are being hurried to the front. Admiral Hewett is to be reinforced at Souakim with 2000 marines, half of which number are now embarking at Portsmouth for Egypt. The leading French and German journals, commenting upon the rverse sustained by Baker Pasha, ridicule the weak policy adopted by the English Government with regard to Egypt. Eight hundred marines embarked per steamer Poonah to-day at Plymouth. There was an immense crowd of spectators to witness their departure, and great enthusiasm was shown.