THE COLONIES AND THE SOUDAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7259, 23 February 1885, Page 5

THE COLONIES AND THE SOUDAN

{beutkr's telegram.]

i ;• London, February 20. In the House of Commons last evening Mr. Gladstone made a speech, in which he said the offers" of the colonies, of troops for the Soudan testified to their attachment to the Throne, and would draw closer the bonds of Empire. ; Earl Derby, speaking in the House of Lord*, said the country .was deeply indebted for the spirit showirHr/ the colonies. The Government had decided to accept the services of New South Wales troops, and details were being arranged with the other colonies who had offered contingents. The Duke of Cambridge said that he rejoiced at the assistance of the colonies. ■■■■'* '■• ; [special to press association.] London, February 20. Sir Stafford Northcote, speaking in the House of Commons, eulogised the gallant and spirited offers of assistance made by the colonies for the Soudan. These remarks were received by the members of the House with prolonged cheering. The offers have created a marked impression in Berlin. • ~ The Victorian Government have in' formed the War Department that they have a battery and a Nordenfeldt gun ready to be despatched to Suakim. „' ' [reuter's TELEGRAM. J Sydney, February 21. At a meeting yesternight, in connection with the patriotic fund, the principal speakers were Sir James Martin (Chief Justice), the Hon. Edmund Barton (Speaker of the House of Assembly), and Sir Patrick Jennings. Resolutions were passed confirming the objects of the meeting. The total amount subscribed now amounts to over £15,000. The preparations for the despatch of troops are nearly complete. Melbourne, February 21. The Government has received a reply to its offer of troops for the Soudan. The Imperial Government expresses its high appreciation of the tenders of Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland, but are unable to accept them, as the troops could not arrive until too late.

If, however, operations in the Soudan are prolonged until the autumn, the offers will be considered.