THE SOUDAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 140, 19 May 1885, Page 2

THE SOUDAN.

Much has been printed and written about the Suakim-Berber railway of late: late reports tire to the effect that a great part of it lies along the bed of mountain torrents, and that m the first 60 miles there i.s a rise of 2870 ft, and the remaining 180 miles v descent of 1730 ft, but neither the ascent nor the descent are gradual or continuous. The rails, sleepers, and plates are estimated to weigh 4500 tons, and will have to be conveyed an average of 120 miles on camel back. A camel load is estimated to weight l-sth of a ton, and an average day's march to bfrlO.miles. It would consequently re quire 7400 camel loads to carry the whole within one year.

IELECTRIC TELEGBAPH.--COtTBmHT.) SPECIAL TO UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION, LoNDoA^Atay 16. . Lord Wolaeley advis-;. I that 80 of the New South Wales Contingent should visit England, and Mr H ward Vincent and others were willing to dfef ray*., the expenses of the visit. : ■ ' The Standard this morning 'announces that the Suez Canal Commission allows Egypt the control of the navigation of the Canal. ■ It it reperted that Italy will occupy Suakim. . A battery of artillery has been pre- . sented to the Australian. Contingent. .