THE GOVERNORSHIP OF VICTORIA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3955, 24 March 1884, Page 3

THE GOVERNORSHIP OF VICTORIA.

RATIFICATION OF SUEZ CANAL

AGREEMENT,

THE SOUTH PACIFIC LABOR TRAFFIC.

FRANCE FORTIFYING ISLAND IN GULF OF ADEN.

REJECTION OF NO - CONFIDENCE MOTION IN BRITISH GOVERN-

MENT BY NARROW MAJORITY.

THE RECENT BATTLE BETWEEN

BRITISH AND ARABS

DISAGREEMENT AMONG MINISTERS OVER COMMISSION REPORT. : ■

DISCONTENT

AMONG BRITISH

SOLDIERS IN EGYPT.

LONDON.

March 12.

Lord Reay, who was offered the Governorship of Victoria in succession to the Marquis of Normanby, has refused the position, on the ground that his public engagements in England will not permit his leaving Great Britain at tho present time. The shareholders of the Suez Canal Company havo ratified the agreement recently entered into between Count LcHseps and the representatives of the Shipping interests of the United Kingdom. This provides for the appointment of seven additional English directors, for the formation of a consulting committee of English directors to meet in London, and for reductions and other changes. March 14. Mr Gorst has given notice in the House of Commons of a resolution in reference to alleged malpractices and disorders in connection with tho Pacific labor traffic. The French are reported to be fortifying Obock, a possession of France situate in the Gulf of Aden. Mr Labouchcre's motion in the House of Commons demanding an exposition of tho policy of the Government before granting supplies, has been rejected by a majority of 17 votes.

March 15

Later despatches received from tho Soudan give further details of the engagement between the British forces commanded by General Graham and the rebels under Osrnan Digneh near Zareba on Thursday last. The fighting was of a most determined character, the Arabs making desperate and repeated charges. So fierce indeed were tho attacks of the rebels that one of the British brigades commanded by Colonel Davies was first repulsed and driven bajk eight hundred yard?. Fortunately a second brigade under Colonel Butler was near at hand, and with his assistance, and tho timely aid of tho cavalry, the first brigade effected their retreat in good order and reformed under cover. Their comrades returned the attack, and after two hours hard fighting the enemy were beaten at every point. But for the orderly manner, however, in which the soldiers of the repulsed brigade effected their temporary retreat the consequences might have been most disastrous. March 17.

The report prepared by tho committee appointed to inquire into the labor traffic is now under consideration of the Government. The members of the Cabinet are, however, said to disapprove of the main portion of the recommendations in the report.

It is reported that considerable discontent prevails amongst tho British soldiers at prolong-ed service in Eg-ypfc. They complain of the undecided policy of the Government with respect to Egyptain affairs and that their retention in Egypt only leads to aimless butchery.

[Special to Pkess Association.]