The Otago Daily Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1885.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7160, 27 January 1885, Page 2

The Otago Daily Times. TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1885.

The battle of Abulda Wells is the first engagement of any importance that has taken place between the British force under Lord Wolseley and the followers of the Mahcli. Gakdul is on the desart track between the great bend of the Nile at Ambukol and Shendy, and about half way between these two places. By this track part of the invadiug force is boing conducted by Sir H. Stewart, whilo the other division, under the command of General Earle, proceeds up the Nile by Hamek, Merawe, Abuhammed, and Berber. This accords with the plan of operations contained in a Cairo telegram which we published on the Ist inst. General Earle, ifc was said, would collect infantry at liamek, and, after punishing the murderers of Colonel Stewart, would proceed to Abuhanimed to open the road across the desert northward to Koio^ko. Tins latter statement, however, was plainly a telegraphic blunder. Korosko had already been left far behind, and at Abuhammed the Nile route, after pursuing from near Ambukol, or Korhi, a aouth-easterly course, takes what we may call a sudden turn southwards, and is from that point (Abuhammed) the shortest wsvy to Khartoum. The Nile, of course, runs iv the opposite directions— i.e., from Khartoum to Abuliauimed north by west, and from Abuhaoimed to Korti west by south. The telegram went on to say that the mounted infantry, Guards, and camel corps would at ouce march to convey a train of camels with stores to Gakdul. Colonel Stewart would remain with the Guards at Gakdul, while the mounted infantry and unladen camels returned to Korti, where for the time the headquarters rested. The camel corps, artillery, and Hussars would then proceed by the desert road, via Gakdul, to Shendy, or as the later telegrams say, to Metemneh, that village being on the opposite or left bank of the Nile. Sir H. Stewart accordingly started for Gakdul on the second lor third last day of the year. On the sth of January he is reported to have returned to Korti with the mounted infantry aud camels, having loft the Guards at Gakdul to protect the wolls. The next telegram, published on the 9th, stated that Stewart was about, to start for El Metemneb, and six days later we were told that he had arrived there, and would open communications with Khartoum, though no advance would be made uutil General Earle arrived, after capturing Berber on his way. But this part of our information, is not very clear; for on the 19th (Monday) we were told, first, that the entire force under the command of Stewart hud arrived at Gudkul, and that he waf to leave that place on the previous Wednesday. It is therefore not at all likely that Colonel Stewart had in the meanwhile either gone himself or si_»nt any part of his fores to Metemneh. Nay, it is quite certain, from what we now know, that no advance was made from Gakdul until near tha end of the week before last, "when he started in force. His first appearance at Gakdul is said to have taken the inhabitants quite by surprise, but from that moment his movements and intentions could, of course, be no secret to his enemies, who seem also to have known what they were about. They did not attack Stewart at Gakdul, but waited till he was on the march, and then fell upon him with all their wonted courage and impetuosity. The Soudanese under the Mahdi seem to fight very much in the same manner (though of course their weapons are different) as the Scotch Highlandersunder Montrose, if not, indeed, with a more obstinate determination. General Graham's modern Highlanders were very nearly, and but for their greatly superior arms would certainly have been beaten by them at Teb; while it is quite clear that the force under Sir H. Stewart had anything but easy work at Abukla Wells. The large number of killed aud wounded would Bhow, apart from the particulars to hand, that this first engagement must have been, a fierce hand-to-hand struggle. Perhaps the worst iS over • but we may be quite sure that Lord Wolski/ey will neglect no possible precaution in presence of such a determined adversary. Colonel Stewart is, however, probably right in thinking that his victory, dear as it has been bought, will dishearten the Mahdites, and that he will reach Metemneh without much further opposition. Prom that rendeavous to Kbartoum the distance is about 100 miles; and the moment the two branches of the invading force meet, the expedition may be reckoned out of danger. Colonel Stewart is probably already at Metemneh, where also we may hope to hear of the arrival of General Earle in a few days. It is now at least evident that the English Government were right in appointing " our only general" to such an arduous command. The only pity is that they delayed so long. Their delay has, however, been so far fruitful in that it has tended to widen and strengthen their whole Egyptian policy. It is pretty certain that they no longer think of abandoning the Soudan, which has become almost necessary to the independence and prosperity of Egypt. They appear, also, to be maintaining a much firmer position in regard to the finances of that country. The latest telegrams assure us that they will not listen to the proposal of a multiple control—a single control, and that their own, being evidently their ultimatum in this long-contested matter. The declaration made by Earl Morley on December 14 last, that England could never allow any other European Power to occupy a prominent position in Egypt, must have been highly satisfactory to the British people.

Several local reports, including thoße of the meeting of the Tramway Company and o£ the Supreme Court, appear on our fourth page We are compelled to hold over our report of the City Council meeting last evening.

The Hon. R. Stout and the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach leave by this morning's express for Lyttelton.

Mr \V. P. Street, who oooupied the position of Mayor of the city during the past year,

was last night presented with a beautiful illuminated address by. the City Council, in recognition of, the services he has rendered in municipal matters. >, Mr Street, in accepting the testimonial, referred to the harmonious manner in which he had been assisted by the councillors in carrying out his duties. The address, which is very handsomely executed, waß designed and illuminated by Mr Samuol Bost.

Further particular of tho effects of the dynamitards' work in London are given in our cable messages this morning. The individual first arrested on suspicion, who waa a Canadian sailor, has baen discharged, but the police have now secured an Irish-American who is believed to be connected with the outrage. It is stated that a letter disclosing the members of the band has been received by the authorities,

The Minister of Publio Works paid a brief visit to Oamaru yesterday (writes our correspondent), and was interviewed by members of the Harbour Board-in reference to compensation for land token for railway purposes. Mr Richardson met the Board very fairly in the matter.

A serious loss of life has been occasioned by a railway accident in New South Wales. Sevon bodies havo been recovered. Tha cause of the accident was tho bursting of a culvert, by which a large gap was f roied in the line.

Major-general Scratchley will shortly visit New Zealand to interview the Government about matters connected with his nsw appointment.

The Tarawora returned yesterday forenoon from her first excursion to the West Coast sounds, and left again on her second trip in tho afternoon. She has 81 passengers for the second trip.

Sometimes the business that comosi before the City Council is not of very grave importanco, but the councillors appaar to come to the Council-tablo fully resolved to air their eloquence on Sonio subject, no matter whether it be worth talking about or not, and the consequence is that occasionally discussions arise on the most trivial matters. Such a discussion occurred at last night's meeting regarding an application to erect a hoarding for the purpose of exhibiting play-bills. The application was reEerred to a committee, but after this had baon decided upon Cr Eliott rose and said that when the play bills wero torn down they should not bo allowed to fly over the streets. His horse had several times been frightened by those papers, which were allowed to fly about in large quantities—as Cr Robiu remarked, to tho extent of acres. Cr Spedding also addressed the Council on the question. He expressed himself as surprised that acres of paper should be thus allowed to go to waste, especially after reading the heart-reading reports of applications for aid to the Benevolent Institution Committee. It spoke vory little for the energy of the people when an industry of this uattfro, out of which an excellent living could bs made, was not taken advantage of, Cr Murray rose to speak of the practice of a number of workmen allowing their lunchpapers to wander at largo iv tho Octagon. He thought the practice should ba mad 3an indictable offence. Ho proceeded to talk of the necessity of the Council doing everything to preserve the comfort of the citizens, and there is no saying how far the discussion would havo proceeded had not Cr Barron made a dignified pro eat against such a frivolous debate.

The third anuual meeting of the Dunodin City and Suburban Tramway Company was held yesterday. The report aud balance sheet were presented and adopted, and Messrs Bastings, Bell, and Lawson, the retiring directors, were re-elected without opposition, A proposal to cease Sunday traffic met with very limited Bupport. A young man named George Pipe.r was brought up at the City Police Court yesterday, and committed for trial on a charge of stealing money from a boarder in Cox's Temperance Hotel. The Hon. E. Richardson, Minister of Public Works, arrived from the North last evening by the express train. His etay in Duuediu will ba limited, aa ha will probably leave for Invercargill on Thursday, and deputations wishing to interview him should therefore do so without delay.

The R.M.S. Aorangi arrived at Hobnrt yesterday afternoon with 200 bags of mails, She will probably reach Port Chalmers on tho 30th or 31st, three or four days within contract time.

A deputation from the Standing Committee and other members of the Diocesan Synod waited on the Premier yesterday, and had an interesting discussion on the question of religious instruction in schools. Deputations from the City Council aud Caledonian Society also waited on tho Premier yesterday.

To-night the torchlight procession in connection with the Firo Brigade*' demonstration will take placo. It will start from the main station ab>ut 8 p.m., and the line of route will bo from the Octagon south to Miirkot reserve ; then back to Manse street, down High street into Princes street; then north to St. David street, down into King street ; then south to Hanover, up into George street, and back to the station. The order of procession will be as follows:—Marshal, Mr J. M'Kewen ; Naval Brigade Band ; Fire Brigades in this order —OUristchurch, Hokitika, Wanganui (with reel), Nelson, Grabamstown (with reel), Naseby, Lyttelton ; Kaikorai Band ; Fire Brigades in this order —Auckland, Rangiora, Napier (with reel), Port Chalmers (with tool), Masterton, Waimate, The Spit (with reel), Ashburton, .Wellington (with reel), Timaru (with reel), United South Dunedin (with reel), North Dunedin Rifle Band; and Fire Brigades as follows: Roslyn (with engine), Kumara, Now Plymouth (with reel), Christchurch Railway, Dunedin Salvage Corps (with van), Dunedin (with hose reelß, hookandladder carriage, and manual engine).

At the close of the meeting of householders held at Moagiel last night for the purpose of electing a new School Committee, a good deal of indignation was expressed at the treatment hitherto experienced by former committees at the bands of the Education Board, So strong was the feeling that a prominent member of 'he old Committee (Mr Dryden) refused to allow himself to be again nominated, although Btrongly urged to do so, assigning as his reason the utter uselessness of attempting to obtain any satisfaction from the Board, It was stated that several letters on local educational business, and addressed in the ordinary manner, had remained unacknowledged, and strong expressions were freely üßed at the manner in which the Committee had frequently been ignored altogether, A committee was subsequently appointed to interview the Board and again represent the local grievance.

An ordination service was held last evening in Trinity Church in connection with the Wesleyan Conference. The Revs. C. H. Garland, W. G. Paraonaon, W. Slade, and J. T. Penfold were set apart to tha office and work of the Wesleyan ministry. Services were conducted by the President (Ray. J. Berry), assisted by the Revs. A, Reid, H. Bull, and other members of the Conference. The candidates were presented by the secretary of the Conference, The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to tho newlyordained ministers and others, and the Rev. W. Morloy (ex-president) then delivered the ordination charge. He took for his text 1 Cor. iv., Ito 6, The charge was delivered in Mr Morley's beat style, and embraced remarks on tho character, methods, and aims of the Christian ministry.

The sexton of the Northern Cemetery and his assistant have been discharged, without compensation, by the City Council for misappropriating funds obtained for attending privately to graves in the cemetery. The Council agreed to this on the recommendation of the Reserves Committee.

A picnio of All Saints' Sunday-school scholars was held at Chingford, North-Bast Valley, on Saturday last. The St. Martin's (N.B. Valley) scholars were also present by invitation. The two schools mustered some 600 children, who, with their teachers and friends, enjoyed a most pleaßant day. A short service was conducted by tho Rev. A, R, Fitchett at St. Martin's at 10 a.m., after which the children marched to the grounds, the day being spent in games and amusements of various kinds, A return to town was made about 7 p.m.

The Wealeyan conversazione to be held at the Lyceum tfiis evening in connection with the Conference is likely to be of exceptional interest. The proceedings will commence at 7.30 p.m. Addresses, interspersed with musical selections, will be given by Revs. Reid, Best, Bavin, and Morley. From 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. »n opportunity will be given for social inter, course, when light refreshments will be served by the ladies. The small admission charge of Is 6d will be devoted to the Conference expenses fund.

A sitting of the Supreme Court in Bankruptcy was held yonterday, when a considerable number of cases were dealt with. Iv the courßO of the proceedings his Honor tpoko of

the distinctions which he thought should be made between private debts—debts incurred with tradesmen for the supply of goods for use or consumption—and liabilities arising from the exigencies of business. There was no reason, his Honor remarked, why, a man who obtained wages should be relieved from his debts, r.a such relief was not, as it was in the case of tradesmen, necessary to his earning his livelihood, and in the case then before the Court no order of discharge was made. At the close of tha bankruptcy sitting a civil sitting of the Oourt was held, and his Honor delivered judgment in two oasos which were recently hoard boforo him.

A list of the numerous business firms which have agreed to oloae for the half - day on Wednesday, tta first day of the Fira Brigades Demonstration, appears in our advertising columns. Mr Gerald Massey'g second literary lecture will be given tomorrow in the Lyceum Hall, It will ba on Shakespeare. Professor Mainwaring Brown, tha president of the Dunedin Shakeepeare Club, is to occupy the chair, A large audience is expected. The question of e.o3tfi in iba compensation case of the Feruhill Coal Company v. The Corporation of Dunedin came before hia Honor Judge' Williams yesterday, and a decision was giveu disallowing the charges for the costs incurred liy expert witnesses in qualifying themselves to give evidenoe. Notwithstanding the wot weather there was a pretty good muster of members present last evening at the mooting of the Oheaa and Draughts Club to welcome Mr J. 0. Mackay, the well known draughts-player of Sydney, who arrived on Saturday last on a visit to Dunedin. Unfortunately business engagements at the last moment prevented him coining over in timo to t^ka part in tha recent championship tournament, which is all the more to be regretted as he is not only acknowledged to ba the be3t player of Australia, but aa he" was the one who firjt suggested the idea of having a tourney open to all the players of Australasia, A few friendly games were played between Mr Mackay and Mr J. S. Wilson, hon. secretary of the Club, the score baing—Macbay 3, Wilson 2, drawn 1. A number of onlookers watched these games with great interest, and they were all exceedingly well contested. As Mr Mackay purposes to remain in Dunedin foi' two or three weeks, he will doubtless ba a frequent attendant at the Club on Monday and Thursday evenings during his stay here, as he in a gteit enthusiast in the game.

A five broke out about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon in a Bix-roomed cottagn in Melville street, bolonging to Mrs Gow. Tha fire originated in tho chimney, which apparently had a defect in it, aud allowed tho flames to spread to the roof abovo the kitchen. The Fire Brigade and Salvage Corps promptly turned out and rendered awiatiinci, but the -fire had been almost extinguished by the neighbours before tli3y reached th 3 spot. The amount of damage done altogether would not exc9fld £5. Tlia house and furniture were insured in the Hamburg-Magdeburg Office.

A Kaitangata correspondent writes : " Piscatorial maJtara are flourishing in Kaitangata. Tfa'i fiib aro quite amiuing to watch. People gather in the ovaning in front of Mr Gray's hotel to watch their manoeuvres and see them chase the whitebait. The following catches have baen made in the Clutha River and Kaitangata Creek: Mr R. Wilson, 20 fiuh, weighing 114;Jlb; Mr George Aitchuon, 11 fish, weighing 72!b 12oz ; Mr Stephen Aitchissn, 10 fish, weighing tfl.b 7oz ; Mr A, N, Hislop, six fiah, weighing 471b 10jz ; Mr W. Shaw, four fish, weighing 251b. Mr James Gray and soveral others hid good take 3 also. The river is woll stocked with them, and affords good pastime for tho3e who have the time to devote to it."

It appears that after all the fuse that has been mado about tho Pelichet Bay Baths they are to remain practically useless during the whole of the present, bathing season. At the meeting of the City Council lant night, Or Pagan asked if there was any probability of the baths bciug cleaned out, so that people could bathe in them without: gutting bssmeitrdd with mud, He looked to Cr Barnes for an explanation, but that geutleman disclaimed having anything to do with the bathe, which he had not seen since thoy were erected. Cr Barron said the raaeon why the water was unclean was that the flood-gate at the entrance to the bay was not large enough to allow of the water flowing freely in and out. The Mayor agreed with this view of the case, but was of opinion that the bathing season was now too far advanced to do anything towards remedying the evil. The matter was referred to the Baths and Sanitary Committee.

The sale of a portion of the Government shipment ef stoats and weasles which came to hand by the s,s. lonic took place in Wellington a day or two ago. Six stoats realised £5 2s Gd each, and 20 weaves £3 10i each. Part wore purchased for Wairarupa aud part for Blanheiru. Th 9 estimated cost to the Government was about £2 5i psr be;»d all round. The remainder of tho ahipineut are to bo turned looae ia the back-country of Canterbury and Otago.

Sargeaat Edward Morton (says the Southland Times), after 24 years' service in Otago and Southland, will leave Invercargill for Wellington on Thursday, ha having baen transferred to that city. During his long Southern career the sergeant has bean stationed in many of the country towns aud districts, aud for years did escort duty in the early days. For the last three years he has baon stationed in lovercargill, where, as everywhere elso he has been, he is recoguised as a zaalous and capable officer, and respected as an honest, courteous, and genial man. Amongst the list of patents applied for in the Gazette is one by I\ H. Asbury, of Duuedin, for heating water or other fluids with gas or other fuel.

The Melbourne Argu3 states that Fred. W. Reichelt, recently carrying on business in Palmerstou, New Zaaland, was charged on remand, before Mr Call, P.M., and a bench of Jußticei, at the City Court, on January 16, with fraudulent insolvency. Detective Walsh arrestod tho prisoner in Carlton on the 31st ult,, on a provisional warrant, by the direction of this Chief Commissioner of Police, who had received a telegram from Dunedin stating that a warrant was in existenc3 for the man's arrest on the above charge.. Mr Lippart, one of the creditoia of the prisoner's estate, arrived in Melbourne some time ago, and stated that the prisoner was supposed to have some money and valuables in his possession, and a search warrant was therefore procured and executed at the prisoner's residence in Carlton. A title deed, valued at about £25, and a deposit receipt on the Bank of New South Wales, in the name of the prisoner's mother-in-law, for £405, was found in the house, These were handed to the police as agents for the assignee, Mr Call had previously made au order for £5, to be paid out of the £405, for tho maintenance of the prisoner's wife, and yesterday Mr Lsviaon, on behalf of the prisoner, agreed that the balance should be forwarded to the Assignee in Dunodin for distribution in the estate. The prisoner was then discharged.

Misa De Grey and the London Comedy Company open to-night in the Princess Theatre in Wycherley's comedy " The Country Girl."

Th» model of the famous Strasbourg clock exhibited in Princes street yesterday attracted a large number of visitors, who were certainly repaid for their trouble. A clear and minute description ia given of the wonderful piece of mechanism, and by the time this is concluded the spectators are enabled to witness the procession of the apostles, which take 3 place every quarter of an hour. The sight of this clock, a triumph as it iB of perseverance and ingenuity, cannot fail to be both instructive and interesting.

Mr M. Pym will sell furniture on Thursday. Messrs Fleming and Hodloy will sell young sheep at Oamaru on Tuo day, February 3. Tho full proerammn o( the complimantar? concert to be given to Mr P. Newbury on February 4 is advertised.

Shou'd sufficient inducement oßer, tho steamer Indus will sail ftorn Port Chalmers for OalouMa, on February '33, affording an opportunity for tho ship.uient of horses.

Mr Alexandor Cameron will sell butcher's plant in King street on Thursday.

Ada Mantua's .'consultation on the Duusdln Cup, 1885.—Ada has much nleasura in informing her patrons that Eho has already dispOJed of over 3000 programmes on tho abovo event. Early application receisavy.- [Advt ]

Smoked mutton hams, bacon, hums, corned boef, corned pork, in large or small quantities Prime fresh meat. Delicious email g^iods, Metwurat, Frankfort sausages, filutwma!;, livor puddings, pork and beef F-außacea, &c, Sc, only at Dornwkh, and Rbnnie's-[Advt.]

Tho Brand Hotsi,, Dunedin.—" Out of nil question the finest hotel in Australasia."—Molbourne Argus. Thio hotel has been bo substantially constructed that it Is insured for 60 per cent, lower premium than any other brick hotol in tho Colony. Table d'hote at Boparate tablos.-^IADVT.]

Advich to Mothers I—Aro you broken In your rest by a sick child Buffering with the pain of cutting teeth? Go at onco to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs Winsi.ow'B Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor BUfferer immediately. It Is perfectly harmless aud ptessnt to taste, 11 produces uatural qulat Bleep, by relieving the child from pain, mid the little cherub awoken "na bright as a button." It soothos the child, it soiteuß the gums, allays all pain, relievos wind, regulator tho bowels, and 'is the b»sd known remedy for dyeontory and diarrhea, whether arioins fro'-o Scdthing or ofhmr wwsea. Mr? WhwlcVs. Sooth\r.y. Sj rap In sold by Jledicii;o dealers evorywheto at la ljd per bottlu.