SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2374, 26 October 1880, Page 2

SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

[By Teregraimi.] (Per Ringurooma at the Bluff.) London’, Sept. A. The American Hop Bitters Manufacturing Company have written to Trickett offering £IOOO in prize money to be competed for in a professional single scull race open to the world, in English waters. The letter is as follows; “ Dear Sir, —Being desirous to see the world’s greatest oarsmen together in a in a contest, and as our prominent ones in the United States have expressed a desire to meet, we write in the hope that you will enter and row in a single scull regatta on the Thames or other suitable water near London, England, some time in November or December 1880, for the Hop Bitters’ cash prize of go 000 dols. For the first prize 2500 dels. ; second, 1500 dols. ; third, 700 dols. ; fourth, 500 dols. ; entries free and open to all the world. Please reply at earliest convenience and give your preference for time and location. Will you also do us the favor to ask Laycock if he will enter and report the same to us? —Hoi* Bitters Manufacturing Company.” Trickett replied, accepting the proposal but refusing a later date tha i November 22, being desirous of Laycock taking part, who must leave England by November 2(1. Trickett stipulates that if the race is rowed on the Thames, it must be in heats as there is no room on the river otherwise. He suggests that the trustees of the Sportsman’s Challenge Cup should arrange the heals in such a way that there shall be one American, one Australian, and one Englishman in each. The general opinion is unfavorable toTrickott’s stylo, bis slides being too short. He and Laycock go on the river once daily, taking much land exercise. A steam launch was swamped with Laycock, on Sept. 1. Litlle harm was done, the boat being only slightly damaged. Capetown, Sept. 20.

The Basuto war is the sole topic of nows at present. Fighting commenced in earnest on the morning of Sept. 21. A. determined attack was made on Maftang b} r a force of rebel Basutos, numbering fully 7000. The entrenched camp of Cape Hides was repeatedly charged, but the rifle volunteers, after lighting all day, repulsed the rebels at all points, with a Joss of three men wounded, while the enemy lost nearly 100 killed and a large number wounded. 300 Cape Town volunteers loft yesterday for the front, and reinforcements of the colonial forces are being pushed into Basutoland as fast as possible. Major-General Loahun (sic), administrator uf the Government pending the arrival of Sir Hercules Robinson,Jarrived to-day from England. A 22d carat diamond lias been found at Dutortb. A mining engineer at Natal reports large finds of opals of good quality in the Newcastle division, also valuable deposits of iron, Candahau, Sept. 27. The scarcity of forage presents a serious dilliculty. 50,000 horses and baggage animals with the force in south Afghanistan, from Hebi to Candaluir country are denuded. Bomhay, Sept. 24. Roberts has left Candahar for India, lie has been appointed to the command of the Madras army. Before leaving be distributed distinguished service medals, Ac., and made a speech to ilie !t2nil Highlanders and the sth Ghoorkas. Ho spoke in high terms of their gallantly. A court of inquiry is sitting at Caudahar to inquire into the Maraiband disaster. Major Currie, of the 3rd Bombay Cavalry, and Colonel Malcolm, of the 3rd Seindc Horse, have been suspended. It is believed Candahar will be evacuated by the British. A large number of troops are returning to India.