AUSTRALIAN

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 91, 28 February 1885, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN

Melbourne, February 23. The Government has received a reply to its offer of troops for tho Soudan. The Imperial Government expresses its high appre ciation of the tenders of Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland, but are unable to accept them, as the troops could not arrive until too late. If, however, operations in the Soudan are prolonged until the autumn, the offers will be considered, Melbourne, February 24. At the drill of the Naval Iteserve yesterday, on volunteers being calLed for in case of a Victorian contingent to Soudan being sent, out of the whole force all [the men stepped forward except those who were too old for active service. Melbourne, Feb. 25. — An unsuccessful attempt was made to rob the Colonial Bank of Australia at Natimik, a town in the northwest of this colony. At a ppecial meeting of the Presbytery |of Melbourne last evening, a resolution was passed declaring that the recent conduct of the congregation of the . Scots Church was an act of contumacy and ! rebellion, and that the time had arrived to separate those willing to acknowledge the ! authority of the Church from those unwilling, and instructing the session to take the necessary steps towards that end. Sydney, February 20. — The return match between the English cricketers and a combined Australian team commenced to-day. At the close of the day's play the Australians had 97 for eight wickets. Sir Henry Parkes and others strongly deprecate the despatch of a New South Wales contingent to the Soudan. A Press Association message from London says: — "The War Office have requested New South Wales to send a light battery to Suakim." The approaching departure of troops for the Soudan is the all-absorbing topic, and all is bustle and excitement everywhere. Men are offering themselves freely — married as well as single— and numbers are being enrolled daily and sent into barracks. The steamers Iberia and Australasia have been chartered, and will soon commence to load. A Council of War, consisting of Hon. Messrs Dalley, Dibles, and Wright, sits daily, and a great deal of business is done. Respectable and worthy citizens who have been following humble trades have been suddenly transformed into full-blown officers with all the military status, and with handsome pay. The pay and allowance have been made on a liberal scale, the commandant alone having £1,250. Pay of officers varies from £650 for lieutenant-colonels in command to £325 for lieutenants ; men from 9s 6d to 6s per day. Provision is also made , for wives and families, and pensions for casualties. The enthusiasm has extended to the country, and numbers of volunteers have arrived from different centres. Contributions in money and kind flow in, and each day appears a long list of such things as biscuits, tobacco, aerated waters, rausioal instruments, and various articles

for use, entertainment, and comfort. The money contributions are large and numerous. Some ofthe field officers are past the prime of life. Colonel Spalding will command the artillery with Major Airey, and Lieut. -Colonel Raymond the infantry. Everything is being done to fit out the expedition with every requisite. They will not take guns, being tco heavy, but w ill receive battery of nine-pounders at Suakiro. War correspondents from each paper will accompany the expedition. In the midst of these preparations there are not wanting those who raise their voices in deprecation of the course pursued, and loudest amongst these is Sir Henry Parkes. It is urged, in opposition, that England is not at war with any great power, and does not absolutely require our help ; that no legislative sanction has been given to the step, which will involve an immonse amount of money ; that, in fact, a feeling of jingoism has run away with the Acting Colonial Secretary and a large portion of the people. Anyhow, all agree that the New South Wales troops will comport themselves with credit in the field.

The Commandants. Colonol Richardson, who will command the expedition, joined the Imperial army in 1854, having entered it by passing a direct examination at Sandhurst. He served with the 72nd Highlanders at the eiege of Sebastopol. In New Zealand, with the 12th Regiment, he went through the Maori wars of IS6O-6L and 1863-64, during which period he was adjutant of the regiment. He has Crimean, New Zealand, and Turkish medals. In February, 1865, he was appointed to the command of the New South Wales forces. In August, 1871, a regular force was formed, consisting of a battery of artillery and two companies of infantry, and since that time the infantry has been disbanded and two more batteries substituted. A most important change took place in the volunteer service in 1878 .by assimilating the volunteers to what may be called a volunteer militia. By means of this change of system increased discipline has been obtained, and the adoption of continuous training has brought the men to the stafo of efficiency which their commandant believes justifies him in recommending them as reliable ti'oops, and in Fetting himself confidently at their head. Colonel Roberts (who was to have commanded one of the batteries of artillery in the Soudan, but now, as only one battery will be required, it is doubtful whether he will go) has also a service record, including the war in the Crimea.

The Cost of Transport. The charter of the Iberia and the Australasia by the Government has been effected, the charges being as follow :—: — £15 per soldier, £40 per officer, £25 per horse, and 30a per ton for cargo. The cost will amount to nearly £19,000. The Iberia will take GOO men, 26 officers, and 24 horses ; and tho Australasia 225 horses, 100 men, and from COO to 800 tons of cargo. Sydney, Feb. 23.— The return match between the English Eleven and a 'combined Australian team was resumed on Saturday. The local team, in their first innings, scored IS I, the highest contributors being Evans, 33, and Garrett, 51 (not out). The Englishmen, in their first innings, were all disposed of for 1 32 On Friday night, in connection with the patriotic fund, resolutions were passed confirming the objects of the meeting. The total amount subscribed now amounts to over £15,d00. The preparations for the despatch of tioops are nearly complete. Sydnfa', February 24. — The return match between the English cricketers and a combined Australian team was l-esumed yesterday. The latter, with 49 to the good on their first innings, went in a second time, and tho innings closed for 165. The Englishmen, requiring 215 to win the match, went in for their second innings, and when the stumps were drawn for the day they had put together 29 with two wickets down. The patriotic fund now amounts to £30,000. Objections have been urged as to the legality of the action of the Government in despatching Mew South Wales troops to the Soudan, and a petition to the Governor against the expedition is being prepared. The following will be the strength of the contingent : — Artillery : One field officer, 1 captain, 3 subalterns, 1 staff sergeant, 1 extra officer, 26 non-commissioned officers, 8 artificers, 3 trumpeters, 16S gunners and drivers, 212 men, 172 horses, 6 16-pounJ guns, 300 rounds of shot per gun. Infantry : Colonel Richardson in command of the whole contingent, Lieut. -Colonel Christie, Captain McKenzie, a pay- master, 2 lieut - colonels, 2 majors, 3 captains (including adjutant), 2 surgeons, 9 lieutenants, 4 staff sergeants, 4 colour sergeants, 26 sergeants, 30 corporals, 8 buglers, 433 rank and file, total, 522 men, with 24 horses. Supplies for the men for six months will be sent. Beach is a strong favourite for the sculling match which takes place next Saturday with Clifford for £200 a-side and the championship of the world. Sydney, Feb. 25. — The cricket match was concluded yesterday. The Englishmen in their second innings were only able to put 207 together, and the combined Australian team were thus victorious by 7 runs. Adelaide, Feb. 23.— The Governor has received a telegram from Lord Derby stating that the Imperial Government are willing to share in the expense of the annexation of New Guinea.