THE SOUDAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 79, 6 March 1885, Page 3

THE SOUDAN.

The' following brief particulars of the two principal officers m command of the New South Wales contingent are taken from the Sydney Morning Herald : — Colonel 5 Bichardson, the commandant, who will command the expedition, has .had the satisfaction' of seeing important changes towards the efficiency of our troops since he took command m 1865. He joined the Imperial army m 1854, having entered it by passing a direct examination at Sandhurst. He served with the 72nd Highlanders at the seige of Sevastopol. In New Zealand, with the 12th Regiment, he went through tho Maori wars of 1860-61 and 1863-64 during which period he was adjutant of the reeiment. He has Crimean, New Zealand, and Turkish medals. In February, 1865, he was appointed to the command of the New South Wales forces. In August, 1871, a regular force was formed, consisting of a battery of artillery and two companies of infantry, and since that time the infantry has been disbanded and two more batteries substituted. "A most Important change took place m the Volunteer service m 1878 by assimilating the Volunteers to what may be called a Volunteer Militia. By meanr of this change of system increased discipline has been obtained, and the adoption of continuous training has brought the men to the state of efficiency which their commandant believes justifiies him m recommending them as reliable troops, and m setting himself confidently at their head. Colonel Roberts, who will command the artillery, has also a service record, including the war m the Crimea.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.— COPYRIGHT.) [SPECIAL TO UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] London, March 8. The town of Kassala has fallen, and six hundred of the garrison have been killed. Lord Wolseley's eyesight is at present affected. The Agents-General have had a conference with the Marquis of Hartington m regard to colonial troops for the Soudan. The Duke of Cambrige and Lord Derby were present, and the question of transacport, discipline and efficiency were discussed. The Agents stated that the colonies would be clad to renew the offers already made m the autumn.

(electric telegraph. — copyright.) (bbut,eb's telegrams.) Sydney, March 5, It is announced that Parliament will be called together on the 11th instant, merely for business m connection with the despatch of the contingent for the Soudan. Rumours are current that a vote of censure on the Government will be proposed.