UNKNOWN London, April 9.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 99, 25 April 1885, Page 3

UNKNOWN London, April 9.

General Komaroff oilers his protection to the officers of the British Boundary Commission. The Afghan troops, after their defeat on the Kuhsk by General Komavofl', retreated to Meruchak. A general opinion is expressed that it is incredible that General Kcmaroff was not informed of the agreement that no forward movement of Russian troops should take place until the result of the present negotiations was known. The Agents-General are making every effort to complete their purchases of war material for their respective colonies, and | hurry on its despatch. There if- report in circulation that the British Government have warned the Australian colonies to be prepared for war being declared against Russia at any moment. The vessels of the British navy have been ordered to carefully watch the movements of all Russian war ships. A number of swift cruisers are being got ready by the Admiralty for immediate despatch. A decidedly warlike feeling prevails throughout England. Russia is arming. The Russian authorities have purchased at San Francisco and Honolulu a number of traders, to bo converted into war cruisers. It is reported that 100,000 Russian troops are being massed on the Afghan frontier. Sir Peter Lumsden has determined upon retiring to Herat, which place he will en | deavour to hold until the arrival of British troops should war bo declared between Great Britain and Russia. It is generally believed, however, that he will be unable to hold Herat should Russia attack it.

Suakim, April 10. IScws was received here to-day tending to disprove the accuracy of previous intelligence thatKa?sala had fallen, and stating that on the 20th of Match the garrison under was still out.

Lupton Bey holding Caiko, April 12. Later news received from the front regarding the rebellion against the Mahdi in the province of Kordofan confirms previous intelligence of the disastrous defeat ol the Mahdites by deserters from the standard of the False Prophet, and further announces that his adherents have been totally destroyed at El Obeid.