MELBOURVE AGE SPECIALS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 105, 8 April 1885, Page 3

MELBOURVE AGE SPECIALS.

(Per b.s. Tarawera at the Blub.)

(united press association, j Aden, March 26. The Iberia reports a prosperous voyage, the troops on board being all m excellent health. Temperate weather was experienced after passing Cape Leuwin, and the time was profitably spent m drill and manual exercise. The men have been improved m the use of the rifle and bayonet, and the officers have practised revolver shooting and swordmanship. The horses are m splendid condition, and have received the utmost care and attention during the voyage. March 28. The transport Australasia arrived this morning. Some tempestuous weather was met witli.and five horses died on the passage. The steamer proceeds direct to Suakim this afternoon. Lieut-Colonel Christie, Brigade Major, and second m command of the New South Wales infantry, has left the contingent for reasons which have not as yet transpired. The latest news from Suakim shows that the physique of the men forming the New South Wales contingent is excellent, and has been warmly eulogised by the British officers. It is expected that the contingent will be employed ' at first on convoy work, m order to accustom the men to strict discipline. (BKUTEU'S TKLKGUAMS.) Suakim, April 6 (morning). The British* zareba at Hassen has been abandoned, and stores which were forwarded there have been brought back to Suakim. The Coldstream Guards and Colonial troops have formed a zareba at a point about five miles from Handoub. j The work was completed to-day and a general advance on Handoub will take place on Wednesday. A report is current that Lord Wolseley is coming here from Cairo. (reuteb's special cobbespondent.) Soitakim, April 7 (morning). A forward movement m the direction of Handoub commenced to-day. The Scotts Greys escorted a large convoy to the zareba which had been formed on the way to Handoub, and will remain to garrison the zareba with the Coldstream Guards and colonial contingent who are already there. Sir Gerald Graham and members of his staff will accompany the troops to Han-doub'to-morrow, and Sir Graham will return to Suakim m the evening. Spies who come m from Tatnai assert that the position has been deserted by Osman Digna and the village has been burned.