WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1319, 26 March 1885, Page 1

WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Souakim, March 22. A considerable force under the command of Major-General McNeill, started from this place this morning. They formed into two squares, and proceeded in the direction of Taraai. Arrived there, they will construct zareebas, and the Berkshire regiment will remain to garrison the position \ the rest of the force returning to the camp. News has since been received that a large body left Osman Digna’s headquarters, with the intention . of inter eepting Major-General MoNeiTs force ; but the movement being observed from the British zareeba, there has been a heavy cannonade made upon them, with the result that theii advance was checked, and a large number wore killed and wounded. London, March 22. Accounts of the batt'e near Uashan show that the charge made by the Arabs threw the Bengal Cavalry into confusion, and the Guards were severely pressed by the enemy among the scrub in the locality. The .British loss «as twenty-one killed and forty wounded, chiefly Bengalese. The Arabs lost about 600 men. The advance on Tamal will begin today. March 23. Renter’s special correspondent with General Graham’s army telegraphs under date midnight, on the 22nd, that the British troops under the command of Major-General McNeill formed a,

zareeba at a point about six miles along the road to Taniai. The position bad only been occupied a short time when it was attacked by a large force of Arabs numbering fully four thousand, who made a violent onslaught on the zareeba. The fighting, which was of a most desperate character, lasted about twenty minutes, afte£ which time the enemy were repulsed with a loss estimated at over a thousand. The British casualties *. are given as five officers and fifty-one • rank and file killed, and one hundred and seventy wonnded. In the House of Lords to-day, a message from the Queen was read in reply to an address adopted on the motion of Earl Wemyss conveying the thanks of the House for the acceptance of the loyal offer of the New South Wales troops for the Soudan, and expressing satisfaction that the offers of other colonies would be accepted at the' right time. Her Majesty’s message stated she was highly gratified at the loyalty and patriotism displayed by the Australian colonists. March 24. In the last engagement on the road - to Tamai, the loss among the British and Indian troops was two hundred and forty-five. The Arab loss was fifteen hundred. Major-General McNeill baa .. been blamed for the engagement. Cairo, March 23, General Wolseley, with the principal members of his staff, proceeds from Korti to Dongola to-morrow. Melbourne, March 18. The. Premier has been for some time communicating with the Governments,, of the other colonies in reference to a united Australian contingent tor the autumn campaign in the Soudan. Mr Service states that they are inclined to defer making any definite proposal until in possession of further information from their Agents-General relative to interviews between them and the Imperial authorities, which, so far, have been only briefly reported by cable, A special meeting of the Cabinet was held yesterday to discuss matters connected with the defences of the colony, but it was considered not advisable to make the decision known. Sydney, March 18.

The debate on the Soudan commenced . with capital speeches made by Mr Dibbs and Mr Wisdom, for and against, Mr Buchanan eclipsed himself, and made a CbaraCTerlStlC Speech oxtTDCotingfHfcopnrnr-' ' tion from the Mother Country, and heaping the curses ot the devil on the departed troops and upon those who sent them. The papers state that Mr Buchanan will never again hare a seat in the House. There is no organised Opposition, and Sir John Robertson supported the Government. His speech was verv heartily received. In the Council the Address in Reply was carried with only one dissentient, Mr Stewart, who had moved an amendment and alone voted for it. The Government intend asking £150,000 for this year’s Houdan service, and the Treasurer expects the whole expenditure required will be furnished out of the surplus revenue.

fc>ir Henry Parkes is a candidate for Argyle. His excuse for coming forward is the Soudan business.