BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2455, 31 January 1881, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[Redter’s AGENCY. J, Fighting in the Transvaal.-An African Bull’s Bun. Cape Town, Jan. 28. News lias been received to-day from the Transvaal that the rivers have fallen, and the force under General Colley has been able to continue its advance in the Transvaal. Bodies of Boers which were sighted a few days ago were again seen ahead of the line of march, and were apparently preparing to oppose the advance of the colonial troops. Sir George Colley at once ordered the artillery to open lire, and the infantry followed up to attack, but the enemy declined an engagement, and retired in haste. Later. Telegrams from official sources have been received this evening from Natal, announcing a serious British defeat in the Transvaal. The information to hand states that Sir George Colley made an attack in force on the Boer position at Lahgsnck. Heavy fighting ensued, but the enemy offered a strong defence

and finally inflicted a- severe -repulse on the colonial, forces, which where, compelled to retire with heavy loss in killed and wounded. Sir George has now de eided to await expected reinforcements from England and India, before resuming offensive measures against the Boers, Jan 29. h urfcher news to hand from the Transvaal states that in the defeat at Lahsnek Sir George Colley’s forces had 193 rank and file killed and 5 officers killed and 3 wounded. The intelligence to hand from Caffraria states that the rebellion of the Pondomise, Tembus, and other tribes is daily collapsing, and expected shortly to be completely quelled. The Irish Coercion Bill. London, Jan. 28. In the House of Commons last evening the debate on the second reading of the Irish Coercion Bill, giving the Viceroy power until October, 1882, to arrest and detain all persons guilty or suspected of treasonable conduct, and to limit the sale and possession of arms, was commenced. Several members spoke during the evening, but the chief speaker was the Hon John Bright,President of the Board of Trade, who addressed the house in strong terms of justification of the action of Government in proposing coercive measures for the repression of the prevailing disorder in Ireland. To-day Mr Gladstone made a length}' speech in the course of which he reminded the House that the increase of agrarian outrages and the Land League agitation had progressed together, and were strongly connected. The coercive measures which Government propose to adopt aimed solely at thq punishment of evil-doers and abettors in agitation. The debate was again further adjourned, The Creek Frontier. Jan. 29 It is announced that the British Government is in accord with the other Powers in regard to the action to be taken for the settlement of the Turko Greek difficulty, and has agreed to the proposed conference at Constantinople At the same time it is known that the Powers have been informed that England still believes the compromise decided on by the Berlin Treaty to be binding on Turkey. . The War Bog* Satiated It is currently stated in [Russian and other political circles, that in view of the success of General Skobeloffi’s expedition against the Tekke Turcomans, and the retreat of the latter from Geok-Tepe the Russian Government is now adverse to continuing the campaign and that further hostilities will not be proceeded with. Good News for Dairy-maids. The butter brought by the steamer Protos has realised one shilling per pound, the total return showing a large profit. From the fresh meat, after payment of all charges, there is a profit of fully £IOOO. French Enterprise. Paris, Jan. 27. At to-day’s sitting of the French Senate a Bill giving the Government power to grant bounties to French shippers was finally discussed and agreed to.