VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SOUDAN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7485, 26 February 1885, Page 5

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SOUDAN.

[Per Press Association.] (Per s.s. Wairarapa, via Auckland.) SYDNEY, Feb. 20. The approaching departure of the troops for the Soudan is the all-absorbing topic. All is bustle and excitement everywhere. Men are offering themselves freely, both married and single, and numbers are being enrolled daily and sent into barracks. The steamers Iberia and Australasia have been chartered, and will soon commence to load. A Council of War, consisting of Messrs Dalley, Dibbs and Wright, sits daily, and a great deal of business is done. Bespectable' and working citizens, who have been following various trades, have been suddenly transformed into full blown field officers, with all the military status, and handsome pay and allowance have been made. The scale ranges from the commandant at .£1250 to .£325 for lieutenants. The pay of the men is from 9s 6d to 6s per day. Provision is also made for wives and families, and for casualties. The enthusiasm has extended to the country, and numbers of volunteers have arrived from different centres. Contributions of money and kind flow in, and each day there appears a long list of such things as biscuits, tobacco, aerated water, musical instruments, and various articles for use, entertainment, and comfort. Money contributions are large and numerous.

Some of the field-officers are past the prime of life. Colonel Spalding will command the Artillery, with Major Airey; and Lieut.-Col. Eaymond the Infantry. Everything is being done to fit out the expedition with every requisite. They will not take the guns as they are too heavy, but will receive a battery of nine-pounders at Suakim. War correspondents from each paper will accompany the expedition. In the midst of all this preparation there are not wanting those who raise their voices in deprecation of the course pursued, and loudest amongst them is Sir Henry Parkes. It is urged in opposition that England is not at war with any great Power, and does not absolutely require our help; that no Legislative sanction has been given to the step, which will involve an immense amount of money; that, in fact, a feeling of Jingoism has run away with the Acting-Colonial Secretary, and a large portion of the people. Anyhow, all agree that the New South Wales troops will comport themselves with credit in the field.