OF THE ENGLISH MAIL

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 160, 2 March 1871, Page 6

ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH MAIL

(VIA SUEZ.)

THE WAR IN EUROPE.

(By Electric Telegraph.)

[FROM OUJt OWN" COEBESPONDENT.]

[The following was published by us as an Extra on Thursday last, 23rd Feb. : — ]

The Rangitoto arrived at Hokitika this morning.

Nothing decisive has occurred in the Franco-Prussian war.

G-reville's Pigeon Express conveyed the following items from the Rangitoto to Hokitika : —

The French made a desperate unsuccessful attack on the 21st January.

The forts recommenced firing, without success.

The Prussians have captured a large number of prisoners.

The French prisoners have been removed from G-ermany to Russian frontier,

The Prussian head-quarters are at Vitry. A successful sortie was made by the French on the night of the 21st. The French army, commanded by Faidhebe, was attacked on the 23rd January, by Manteuffel, at North Amiens. Both claim a victory — night ending the fight. The Queen opened Parliament in person. A scheme to fortify London was to be considered.

On the 20th December the Prussians seized six English vessels at Dudar on the Seine. They scuttled and sunk them, and thus impeded navigation. The Prussians fired on the crews and robbed the vessels, because coals were landed without permission. , Fort Avron was captured, causing great discouragement to the Parisians. Reported sufferings of the populace excessive.

Beyond the bombardment of the forts, little damage was done. The official journals say the G-overn-ment reject all idea of capitulation.

Bombardment of the forts continue lively.

Noissy, Nugent, Vanvres, Issy, Monbroure, and Ivry silenced. On the 10th Paris was on fire in several places.

10,000 incendiary shells fired into Paris on the 15th.

Belfort vigorously besieged, and a valiant defence offered.

Bebrogine and Bechaume were burnt on the Bth.

Leroy capitulated with three hundred prisoners.

The German batteries reached St. Michael across the Seine.

The French unmasked additional batteries south side of river.

Germans attacked Bijon in great force on the 22nd.

The French maintained their position.

The G-erinan batteries are within 300 yards of the forts.

A grand sortie from Mont Valerien was made on the 20th, and repulsed.

On the 23rd, Bourbacki's army was in full retreat, having been beaten before St. Quentin after several hours fighting. 40,000 prisoners and 20 cannon were captured. Werder took Villiers, with 600 prisoners. The French attempted to retake it, but were repulsed. They, however, claim the victory.

Bourbacki and Garibaldi marching on Belfort.

Garibaldi surrendered with three thousand prisoners.

The French report complete repulse of Germans on the 30th, and captured their position before Vendome.

The Germans evacuated Bomiey on the 31st, and are falling on Gien.

The King of Prussia, in his speech to the army, says the work is not yet over ; they must complete the fighting to bring about a lasting and honourable peace. On the 14th, Trochu issued a proclamation that Paris would not capitulate.

A conspiracy was discovered between French prisoners at Meyance, Coblientz, Cologne, numbering 50,000, the object being to fight their way back to France.

Mezzieres capitulated with a large store of provisions and 118 guns and 2000 men.

Severe flighting between Erras and Beauchame on the 2nd and 3rd — the French claim a complete victory.

The Saxons occupied Fort Avron, capturing great quantities of artillery. Vitry destroyed.

The Germans evacuated Dijon. French General Roy captured G-ermau position, the height Laboualle.

A debauche, residing in that classic

locality, Little Bourke-street, Melbourne, at the close of a spree, drained a quart pot filled with kerosene, mistaking the stuff for whiskey. A stomach pump " struck " the " ile," and he recovered. — v Independent."