THE AFGHAN WAR.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 5 August 1880, Page 2

THE AFGHAN WAR.

(EEUTEPv'S telegram per press association.) Calcutta, August 4. Intelligence lias been received from Afghanistan that Avo.ob Khan has advanced to Merkarez for the purpose of attacking the body of British troops under General Phayre, -which reached Chaman recently from the Bolan Pass, on their way to reinforce the brigade under General Burrows at Candahar, but were unable to proceed, o,\ving to the disturbed state of the country. It is further stated that Ayoob is sending a strong force to intercept supplies from the Bolan Pass. Orders have been given to General Roberts to march with the northern division of the British army in Afghanistan, numbering 10,000 men, to the relief of General Burrows at Candahar. General Roberts has further been ordered to act in conjunction with, the troops under Generals Phayre and Sandeman from Bolan Pass, so that the combined forces may operate against Ayoob Khan. It now transpires that the telegraph, ling between Cabyl and the frontier was not cut by hostile tribes, as at first supposed, but was interrupted from some other cause.