THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6964, 13 March 1884, Page 5

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

: FIGHTING NEAR SOUAKIM. [by electric telegraph.—copybight.] [RKUTKB'S tklkgbah. | Gaieo, March 11; i Telegeams are to hand from Sooakim reporting that firing has been heard in the direction of Zariba, a small town' eight miles from Souakim, where the second battalion of the Royal Highlanders (42nd foot) and the 10th Hussars are encamped, and that the 1 whole British force at Souakim .has .been, suddenly despatched to] thescene of the supposed battle. [Becelvod .Much 13,12.55 a m-.J .JCairo, March 11. ">■ Further intelligence has been received .from Soukim regarding the ■fighting which .was believed to have commenced near Zariba. The troopa despatched from Souakim found that the firing was only due to a skirmish which had taken placo with a body of Arab rebels ! who had attempted to intercept the convoys despatched to the British at Zariba. The rebels were dispersed without difficulty. lt is now expected, that a battle between the main body of the rebels under Osmond Digna: and General Graham's force will take place to-morrow. BRITAIN TO HOLD THE RED SEA PORTS. London, March 11. The -House of Commons has passed a vote of credit for half-a-million sterling ' to cover the expenses, of the; British expedition, to the Soudan. ;The Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of State for War, speaking to the motion, stated that the Government deemed it essential that the lied Sea ports should be held by the British forces, and added that the. Government accepted the full responsibility of the policy that may be pursued by the Egyptian. Government during the time the British occupation may last.

THE CENTRAL ASIAN QUESTION. London, March 11. A debate has taken place in the House of Lords on the subject of Central Asiai and the occupation: of Merv by , Russia. In the:: course of the same,. Earl Kimberly,"Secretary of State' for India, made a:'speech which announced that parleying was nowproceeding between the English and Russian Governments -with a view to definitely; fix - the lines of the RussoAfghan frontier. THE FRENCH AT BAONINH. Paris, March 11. i Despatches to hand from Tonquin I announce that- the main body of the French army had arrived before. Bacninh, and that two forts in the vicinity of that town had been captured and occupied by the French troops. HOMEWARD MAILS DELIVERED. London, March 11; The homeward mails via= Suez and Brindiai, dated Melbourne, January 31, wore delivered to-day. THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE. London, March 11. A portion of the .cargo of frozen mutton,, ex steamship ' Potosi,.was sold to-day at sid to ofd per pound. The meat was in excellent condition. ■ LONDON MARKETS. London, March 11. Consols remain at-101£. : a New Zealand securities are quoted to-day as followss per cent. 10-40 loan, 102 J; 5 per cent. 1889 loan, lf)4; 4 J per; cent; 1879-1904 loan, 100, ex divi; 4 per cent, inscribed: stock, 100. Colonial , breadstuffs > are unchanged. Adelaide wheat ex store, is 445; New Zealand, ditto, 36s ;to 42s ; and Adelaide floury ex warehouse, 30s. Australian Tallow : Average quality beef, 38s; mutton,. 41s 6d. - LONDON WOOL SALES. London, March 11. At the wool sales to-day all descrip* : tions, except low and faulty wools, were steadier;