LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2649, 4 March 1885, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. «-•■*- DEPARTURE OP THE SYDNEY CONTINGENT FOR SOUDAN. IMMENSE ENTHUSIASM. COLLISION OF ONE OF THE TRANSPORTS. WOMEN AND CHILDREN CRUSHED TO DEATH. ACCIDENTS IN THE PROCESSION. MEETING OF NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT. CONGRATULATIONS FROM VICTORIA. (Received March 3, II p.m.) Sydney, March 3. To-day was observed as a public holiday to celebrate the departure of the Soudan Contingent. The streets forming the line of routo from the barracks to Circular Quay were lined with an immense number of spectators from all parts, forming a dense mass. All the buildings and points of vantage were crowded. The troops were escorted by 600 sailors and marines from the warships, aod all available local forces, accompanied by the Governor, Ministers, and official personages. The procession formed an imposing spectacle, and the popular enthusiasm was unbounded. The Contingent proceeded along the principal streets, amid loud cheering and the good wishes of the assembled masses. Reaching the Quay the men formed a hollow square and were addressed by the Governor, who said it was the first time in the history of the Empire of a distant colony sending, at its own cost, a completelyequipped contingent of troops, who had volunteered with an enthusiasm of which those only who witnessed it could judge. They would be greeted in Egypt by a hearty welcome from thousands of chivalrous soldiers, and the news of their exploits would be eagerly read in all parts of the world where our flag floats. The country, he added, charges itself with the care of their dear ones left behind: all that generosity, tenderness, and gratitude could do for them would be looked upon as a labor of love for the nation. The contintent, numbering 800, then marched on board the transports, which were accompanied to the Heads by a fleet of small steamers. (Received March 4, 12.35 p.m.) March 4. As the steamship Iberia, one of the transports, was leaving the Heads yesterday afternoon, she came into collision with the steamer Nemesis, of the escorting fleet. Two of the women and children were crushed to death by the collision. One of the deceased was waidling her husband off to Soudan. During the procession of the Contingent to Circular Quay, several accidents occurred, the crush in some places beiug terrible,

Parliament is summoned to meet on the 17th inst. (Received March 4, 1 a.m.) Melbourne, March 3. The Governor and Premier have telegraphed their congratulations and good wishes to the New South Wales troops. Sir Wm, Jervois arrived here to-day from Sydney.