Latest from Afghanistan.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3164, 9 September 1880, Page 3

Latest from Afghanistan.

We extract the following intelligence from the "Bombay Gazette," and telegraphic columns of the " Ceylon Observer," to August 4:—

News from Kandahar states that on Shere All (the Governor) ordering his force to retire from Camp Kadanak, towards Ghirishk, on Wednesday mortiing, the infantry deserted in a body, taking guns, arm?, and ammunition, and went olf towards Zemindawar. The British force crossed the river in pursuit, and overtook them at Shoraki, and completely dispersed them, killing two hundred, and recovering guns and baggage. Shere All's cavalry, numbering over one thousand, and all officers, remained faithful. His treasury also is safe. . From General Gough's camp, near Istalif, it is reported that Mir Butcha and Ut Kheyl, robbers, keep the villagers in a state of alarm, annoying all who send supplien to the British. Robbers wander about in parties of fifty and sixty, keeping well beyond the reach of our cavalry patrols. COST OF THE WAR. Lord Hartington's announcement In the Commons on Monday last, regarding the papers supplied by the Government of India, showing the war expenditure must (the " Pioneer" says) bo interpreted that further revelations have yet to be made. It now appears that the total cost of the war is likely to reach a sum, not of five and ahalf millions, as represented in tho Budget, and not of ten millions, as indicated by the despatch of May 4, but of about fifteen millions over and abovo coat of frontier railways. It has been ascertained that up to the 31st March, instoad of three and ahalf millions, as shown by the regular estimates of the Budget statement, the actual outgoings from civil treasuries had amounted to nine and a-half millions Btorling.