THE SOUDAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 112, 15 April 1885, Page 3

THE SOUDAN.

REPORTED FLIGHT OF OSMAN DIGNA, THE OCCUPATION OF TAMAI. [age special.] I (Per s.s. Waihora at the Bluff.) (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Souakim, April 1. It is reported that Osman Digna has fled, his followers having deserted him. A body of British cavalry has been, despatched to reconnoitre and to ascertain whether the report is correct. April 2. The cavalry force sent out yesterday to discover the whereabouts of the enemy were fired at by Arabs near i Tarnai. j The New Sonth Wales Infantry and the Guards form the front face of the square. The enemy is reported to be m great force at Tamai, and have sent their women away. » April 3. A force of 250 men belonging to the New South Wales contingent has been left behind to garrison Souakim. April 4. The greatest efforts made by the British forces during the present campaign have, instead of a desperate engagement ended merely m a slight skirmish with the enemy. Nothing decisive resulted. General Graham ordered the advanceon Thursday morning npon Tamai,where Osmau Digna was supposed to have been posted ia force. Only a skirmish, between the outposts took place, and a. few of the New South Wales Infantry were engaged. They behaved admirably*. The hottest fire of the enemy was directed upon the ambulance, and orders had m consequence to be given to lower the flag. The order diverted the enemy's fire. Tamai was entered and burnt after the Arabs had been driven out. The mountain wells were found to be choked. The British troops returned to ennip at Suakitn, using the railway m course o£ construction. The New South Wales Infantry and artillery will be employed l , to-morrow m the construction of the railway, which is to be completed from. Souakim to the mountains m the neighbourhourhood of Tamai with the greatest expedition. (eeuxer's special correspondent.) Suakim, April 13 (evening). General Graham received the Nawr South Wales Artillery, this afternoaaAddressing the force he complimented! the men upon their soldierly appearance. A difficulty has arisen concerning thesubmission of the rebel Arabs. In accordance with a proclamation issued last week by week by Sir Gerald Graham, the sheikhs demand for their tribes a guarantee that they shall not. suffer, on account of past actions, but General Graham on behalf of the authorities is not prepared to give any pledges.