THE WAR IN SOUDAN

Kumara Times, Issue 2662, 1 April 1885, Page 2

THE WAR IN SOUDAN

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. >--—< ARRIVAL OF THE AUSTRALASIAN AT SYDNEY. LANDING THE REMAINDER SYDNEY CONTINGENT. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION OF THE COLONIAL TROOPS. OSMAN DIGNA’S TROOPS DESERTING IN LARGE NUMBERS. REBELLION AGAINST THE MAHDI. OSMAN DIGNA ASKING FOR CONDITIONS OF PEACE. (Received March 31, 9.45 p.ra.) Suakin, March 30, 10 p.ra. The remainder of the New South Wales Contingent arrived in the transport Australasian this afternoon. The troops on landing were greeted with enthusiastic cheering. It has been decided that the Colonial troops shall be a brigade with the Guards, A spy who has returned to Suakin from Tamai reports that Osman Digna’s troops are deserting in large numbers. (Received April 1, noon.) Cairo, March 31. News from Soudan states that the rebellion against the Mahdi’s pretensions is gaining ground rapidly, and that the malcontents now hold El Obeid against him, London, March 31. The Daily News war correspondent in Egypt states that Osman Digna has sent a flag of .truce to Sir Gerald Graham, asking for conditions of peace. + — LATEST FROM SUAKIN. (Received April 1, 1.45 p.ra.) Suakin, March 31, Night. Spies who have come in from Hasheen and Tamai report that the enemy have evacuated the villages in the neighborhood, and a detachment of cavalry will consequently reconnoitre in the direction of Tamai to-morrow. A reconnaissance was made to-day as far as Hasheen. A few rebels were encountered, but they retired on the approach of the British troops. The construction of the line of railway from this place to Haudoub is being vigorously proceeded with. The New South Wales Infantry were received this afternoon by General Graham. The colonists wore their new uniform, and presented a smart appearance. In consequence of the disappearance of the rebels from the neighborhood, it has been proposed that the general advance from this place to Tamai be postponed for a day or two.