The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1885.

Kumara Times, Issue 2673, 15 April 1885, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1885.

It was only in February last that it was announced that the Italian Government decided thai, if requested to do so by the British Government, they would grant their assistance in the task of establishing a settled government in the Soudan ; and on the 9th of the same month, the first portion of an Italian expedition occupied Masso-

wah. The Spanish Admiral's proclamation to the inhabitants of Massowah we published yesterday; it was one simply announcing occupation—to preserve order. By to-day's cablegrams it will be seen that it is currently reported that an agreement has been arrived at between the English and Italian Governments by which the latter country agrees to occupy Soudan in the event of the British troops in that locality being drafted to India. Massowah, or Masoua, where an Italian army of occupation is now stationed, is an islet and town on the west coast of the Red Sea, in latitude 15° 36' north, and longitude 39° 21' east, close to the boundary of Nnbia and Abyssinia, and will be found on our small scale Soudan War Map. At present Massowah is politically connected with Nubia rather than with Abyssinia, being in the possession of the Viceroy of Egypt, and ruled by a governor appointed by him. The island is of coral, the soil partly formed from the rock, partly from sand and broken shells. It is only about a mile and a quarter in circumference, and is distant from the mainland only about 200 yards. It is almost wholly occupied by the town, and contains a population of about 8000, mostly Arabs. The Nubian (Soudan) and Abyssinian coasts are very destitute of harbours, and Massowah and Suakin are of great importance as ports of commerce. Massowah has all the worst characteristics of an oriental town. Its streets are mere lanes, and excessively dirty. Massowah was originally chosen as the place of debarkation of the British expedition to Abyssinia (1867), and the starting-point of its operations; but it was soon found unsuitable, and Annesley Bay, about 15 miles further to the south—the deepest inlet on the Abyssinian coast—was chosen for that purpose instead. Italy has 1,250,000 men in its army, and some of the finest ships and guns in the world.

The testing-class under Professor Black was well attended last night, and the students are making fair progress. The members bid fair to become a very useful institution for the pursuit of mining and the discovery of precious metals. The Professor is most attentive and obliging, and is most happy in satisfying the thirst and intelligent inquiries for knowledge. At nine o'clock, according to notice, and the audience being very considerably increased, Mr Alex. Montgomery, M.A., gave an instructive lecture on " Mineral Veins," illustrating the subject by diagrams of the veins and lodes of various minerals, and the kind of strata by which they are enclosed or are generally found contiguous to. The lecture will be continued at nine o'clock this evening. The testing-class will meet again at 7 p.m. To-morrow at 2 p.m. Professor Black and Mr Montgomery purpose accompanying as many of the students who like on an exploration up the Lead. The circuit sittings of the Supreme Court, Hokitika, will be opened at ten o'clock to-morrow morning. The Times says there is only one case on the calendar, the Queen v. Middleton, alias Harvey, for stealing a horse, saddle, bridle, and coat. Under civil jurisdiction the following cases are set clown for hearing: Montgomerie v. Bowman and Brennan, Wyndham v. M-Lelliiu and M'Lellan, and Hughes v. the Victoria Insurance Company. The Christchurch and East Coast mails arrived this afternoon at about three o'clock. His Honor Chief Justice Prendergast was a passenger to Hokitika. Reme'nyi, the celebrated violinist performed on Monday and last night to crowded houses in Hokitika. He met with an enthusiastic reception. He will appear at Ross on Thursday, at Greymouth on Friday and Saturday, at Reefton on Monday, and at Westport on Tuesday and Wednesday next. The Ross Borough Council has agreed to guarantee the sum of £25 towards the expenses of the delegates now in London endeavouring to float the East and West Coast Railway. REVOLUTION. Public Notice.—Whereas it is publicly rumoured, and not without foundation, that the Plying Dutchman will be missing some fine morning shortly : such beinw the case he is determined his patrons shall have the benefit of the entire stock that will put competition out of the question ; and rather than the goods shall be handled by the limbs of the law they will be sold at a great sacrifice. Inspection invited, as the goods are of the first water. The sale will last until Monday next, and all goods must be sold. A fresh arrival of boots, groceries, drapery, &c.j &c,— [Adtt.]