THE EAST.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 867, 12 October 1888, Page 26

THE EAST.

(per press association.) Calcutta, October 3 The Akozais, a Black Mountain tribe, charged with the murder of Colonel Battye and Captain TJrmston, have rejected the ultimatum sent them demanding the surrender of the ringleaders and the payment of a fine, and the British are now advancing on the rebel position to punish the murCalcutta, October 3. The British expeditionary force is advancing upon Agror Valley in four columns. The Chinese Ministers at Lhassa are endeavouring to bring about peace between the 'l hibetans and Indian Government. Calcutta, October 4. The Rajah of Sikkim has submitted to General Graham, and the British have occupied Tumloong. Severe droughts have been experienced in the districts of Guzerat and Kottywar, extending to the Bombay Presidency. The rice crops have failed in many parts of the country, and a famine is anticipated. A sharp skirmish has taken place between the British troops sent to punish Colonel Battye’s murderers and the Akazais, and the latter were dispersed. Calcutta, October 6. The British expedition against the Akozais occupied Katkoi after severe fighting, in which six English and two Sepoys were wounded. Captain Beley of the Bengal Staff was killed in the engagement. The enemy’s loss was 200 killed and 150 wounded. October 7. The British have now occupied a strong position near the top of the Black Mountains, Ishak Khan was defeated at Tashkurjan by Abdurrahman, who captured the place. Ishak fled to the mountains. Calcutta, October 7. During the engagement in the Black Mountain between the British expeditionary force and the Akozais, liieutenant-Colonel Cruickshanb, of the Bengal Staff Corps, who was conducting the reconnoitering party, was severely wounded. > Calcutta, October 8. Information has hsen received that the column under General McQueen occupied Thamia on the Black Mountains, but subsequently evacuated the position, in order to join the fourth column crossing the river Indus. The Sarazas harassed the rearguard vigorously, and the advance of the expedition has been checked until the country has been reconnoitred. apbican” (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Suakim, October 3. The attacks on the town are decreasing in vigour and number, and the rebels are reported to be deserting in large numbers. Cairo, October 8. The Eiver Nile is abnormally low, and fears are entertained of a famin - an Upper Egypt. _. , Q Suakim, October 8.. A reconnaissance from the city shows that the rebels suffered numerous casualties during the recent engagements. The strength of Osman Digna’s followers is estimated at Zanzibar, October 8. The representatives of the British Bast African Company were most cordially received by the natives. Ihe natives evince a more friendly dispoBition to the Britishers than the Germans, owing to the former paying greater respect to the religious nteß and the prejudices of the natives, SPECIAL. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Suakim, October 7. The rebels have again attacked the pity in force, but were repulsed.