WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1304, 17 February 1885, Page 1

WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, Feb. 12, A telegram has been received from Lord Wolseley announcing that a battle has been fought with. the enemy at a place opposite Bukla, on the Nile, about 70 miles above Merawi. The Malidites, 1500 strong, attacked the troops under General Earle on both flanks and front, and a severe engagement ensued, resulting in the complete defeat of the enemy,' scarcely one of whom escaped. General Earle, C< lonels Eyre and Conevy, and eight men.were killed. Four other officers, including Colonel Wau* ehope, and 38 men were severely wounded. Lord Wolseley expects to be able to open up the way to Berber without further fighting. Colonel Brackenbury assumed command in place of General Earle, and will continue to advance to Berber. The expedition to the Soudan, via Souakiro, has been placed under the command of Lieutenant-General bir Gerald Graham, with Major-General Sir George Greaves as Chief of-Staff. Feb. 14. General Wolseley telegraphs that a letter, written by the Governor of Berber, has been found at the enemy’s camp at Bukla, stating that the Mahdi captured Khartoum on the 26th January, and that General Gordon was killed. Wolseley also telegraphs that the convoy conveying those who vyere wounded in the battle near Bukla has arrived at Korti. The Indian native troops under orders to the Soudan consist of four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry. General Sir D. E. Wood lias been appointed to succeed General Earle in command of (he column which is proceeding to Berber, Further particulars about the battle at Bukla show that on Tuesday Maj >rGeneral Earle surrounded the Arab position, and that the Black Watch stormed the rocks where some of the enemy had takenuptheir position.'MajorGeneral Earle was killed while leading the cavalry which captured r the Arab camp. The first battalion of the South Staffordshire regiment were engaged in storming the high hills, where an obstinate defence was maintained by the rebels. After five hours fighting a decisive victory was gained over the Arabs who lost heavily, their leader and several Emirs being killed. Lord Woiselev arrived at Gubat on Sunday. The off-r made by the Government of New South Wales of military assistance for the repression of the Soudan rebellion has favorably impressed the public, and the English Government are gratified at their expression of loyalty by that colony, but it is considered proboble that the offer will not be accepted. Feb. 14. The Pall Mail Gazette considers the offer of New South Wales to send troops to the Soudan was nobly conceived and admirably timed. The Marquis of jorne, in a letter to the Times, strong urges the Government to accept the Australian and Canadian troops for service in the Soudan, Cairo, Feb. 13. The letter found at Bukla, written by the Governor of Berber,: stated that the. Mahdi had written .to him announcing the capture of Khartoum and the death of Goidon. Sydney, Feb, 13. Several liberal offers of money have been made towards the expenses of the proposed New South Wales contingent to the Soudan, and great enthusiasm is being shown by the local volunteers at the prospect ot active service. Melbourne, -Feb. 13. Mr Service. Premier, has wired to the Netv South Wales Government that if its kiffer bf troops : fori-The* Soudan is accepted ’Victoria will be. prepared to follow suit. .'-I':-,’!' J :.: J