THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5026, 20 February 1885, Page 2

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN

[Eeuteb's Telegrams.]

Cairo, February 18. The British Troops Retiring. Advance of 50,000 Rebels on Metemneh. Intelligence has been received '-that the British troops on Saturday last abandoned Gubat, on the Nile, above Metemneh, and retired to Abukela, to the northward The movement was effected without molestation from the enemy. It is possible that the troops will further fall back on Gakdul,' where more water is obtainable. It is reported that the Mahdi, with fifty thousand followers, has left 'Khartoum,* and is marching on Metemneh.

[BPEOIA.Ii TO THE PBEB*. ASSOCIATION.]

London, February 17.

Tho Queensland Government; hare offered to,send volunteers to join the Australian Brigade which is being forwarded to the Soudan. It is considered that their offer is certain to be accepted. The Times states that the Government ought to overrule tho decision given by,, the War Office, refusing assistance from. Victoria, as such refusal is likely to cause disgust with the Government. February 18. ; Five thousand Arabs are reinforcing El Metemneh. . February 19. Her Majesty the Queen has, through Lord Derby, expressed to the various colonies a warm and grateful feeling for their proferrcd aid, which was a most satisfactory expression of loyalty on their part. It is believed that all tho colonies except New South Wales will be warned lliat any troops they may wish to send will probably be too late for an immediate campaign, but the decision in the matter will be left optional with the Colonies. Chbistchubch, Yesterday. The Now South Wales Troops. Intense Excitement in Sydney. The Premier of New South Wales, who is still in Christehurch, received yesterday the following telegram, dated February 17th, from the Colonial Treasurer of that colony :—"Enthusiasm and excitement at its highest pitch. Mass meeting at Exhibition Building toimorrow night. Chief 'Justice Sir J, Martin to move a resolution endorsing prompt and patriotic action of Government. Messrs Halliday, Fairfax, Bennett, D, Cooper, P. Walker, and B. Levey giva £1000 a year- each during the war. Others in number give less amounts with large gifts in kind. We will despatch one battery of artillery, five hundred infantry, doctors, and nurses. Old soldiers are offering by hundreds."

Mr Stuart himself has telegrams from members of all branches of the forces applying eagerly to be sent.

The Governor of New South Wales (Lord Loftus) has telegraphed to Mr Stuart.—"The offer of aid gratefully accepted by Her Majesty's Government has caused great enthusiasm, is generally approved, and will be productive of incalculable good both now and hereafter."

(Received February 20, 12.50 p.m.) Sydney, This day. Australian Troops for the Soudan. : . The patriotic fund is daily increasing, and arrangements for the despatch of troops are progressing favorably. The day of embarkation will be observed as a public holiday, and will bo attended with considerable iclal. The Hon. W* B. Dalley, AttorneyGeneral, replied to .the Queen's message, stating that the colonists were deeply grateful for the same. Melboubne, This day. Mr Service has not yet received an official reply to the offer of Victorian troops for the Soudan. Wellington, Last night. New Zealand Government Passive. It is understood thai Government hare received numerous communications from Volunteers and others, urging that a New Zealand contingent for the Soudan should be formed, but Government do not consider it desirable to take any action in the matter. _ ■'