AFGHAN DIFFICULTY

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 1975, 27 April 1885, Page 2

AFGHAN DIFFICULTY

(Reuter's Telegrams—Copyright. )

Calcutta, April 26i

..There is no iurther news.to hand with regard to the negotiations be" twoen England and Russia. His, Royal Highness the Duko of Connaught, who started for England, has been recalled to Simla, where a Military.: Council has been held under the presidency of Earl Dufferin, the Viceroy.. The details of the conference have not transpired, but it is believed that it was decided to collect the British forces at Quettah. Melbourne, April 26.

It has been decided to increase the Victorian militia by 1600 men, and Volunteer corps will be :formed in all townships where' railway communication exists.

St. Petersburg, April 25,

In connection with the military preparations now proceeding, the establishment of officers of the Army throughout Russia is being largely augmented (sic).

Sydney, this day,

The work of fitting up the P, and 0, steamship Massilia as- an armed cruiser has now been nearly completed,

United Press Association)

Auckland, April 26,

The offer of Mr W. Anderson, City Engineer (lite captain of the disbanded City Engineer Rifle Corps), to raise an Engineer Corps, has been accepted by the Government, The fifty best men of the late corps will be selected as men already drilled, and will have uniforms provided for them, The new corps will be immediately available. The Defence Minister last night telegraphed to OoloijeJ Lyon to call out to-morrow afternoon all his forces in and around Auckland, forpracfjea instructions in repelling a su'ppused attack from such points as he might think it would be made. The Mayor proclaims a public half-holiday to enablo Volunteers to sttend.

OnitiSTCHUitCH, April 26,

The Volunteers are to proceed to Lyttelton and Sumner on Monday afternoon for the purpose of a sham fight.

H.M.S. Espiegje l)aa arrived at Wakapuaka, and it is understood that she is to be stationed in tho central waters of the colony. She is an unarmored vessel of 1130' tons and 1140 horse-power, and carries six guns.

The Coptic will be stationed at Auckland when her alterations have been ffnislicd. Her armament is said to be on the \yay out to Sydney.