WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Patea Mail, Volume X, Issue 1316, 4 March 1885, Page 2

WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Soudan Expedition. Departure of the N.S. Wales Contingrent, Immense EAthuislasm. Governor’s Address to the Troops. (REUTER—COPYRIGHT.) CAIRO, March 2. Major-General Bullcr has arrived Gakdnl at Korti. Prince Hassun, the Khedive’s brother,, 'who lias been appointed Governor of the Soudan and comtuander of the Egyptian troops therein, has started for Korti. tlntelligenceJfrom Kassaln, in the Sondan, is that the Egyptian garrison recently made a sortie from that place, when a large force of the rebels was encountered, and'heavy fighting ensued. The Egyptians were finally repulsed with heavy loss, and Compelled to fall back on the town. ■- March 3. Intelligence is received that Wolseley has recalled to Korti the British column under Colonel Brackenhury which was advancing bn Berber.

(Special to Press Association.) ’ - ■ ' - LONDON, Feb. 28". | Sir Saul Samuel, the Agent-General for Sydney, ..is inviting colojiists in England to subscribe to the patriotic fund. , ...: : r■ - >... Mr Forster, speaking on the offers, of troops made by the colonies to send troops to the Soudan, said it was an example which ought to be looked upon With credit hyrthe world. March ,1. | Colonel Wbiseley holds Korti and Gakdul. Six thousand rebel Arabs are in the neighborhood of Abuklea. Owing to an . accident, the expedition tinder Lieutenant-General Sir Gerald Graham has been detained at Cairo. (Received, March 4, 11,80 a,ra.) March 3. In Abe House/ of Lords to day} the Duke of Cambridge made a statement to the effect that the acceptance by the Imperial Government of all colonial offers of troops for the Soudan would be absolute in case the services of the men were required. 'The militaiy authorities, he added were now only discussing the necessary details, and jt was unlikely there would be any great delay in deciding definitely as to the acceptance of the offers of the colonies. ■ SYDNEY, March

’ To-day is observed as a public holiday to celebrate the departure of the Soudan contingent. The streets forming the line of route from the Barracks to the Circular Quay were lined with immense numbers of- spectators from all parts, forming a dense mass ; all buildings and points of vantage were crowded. The, troops were escorted by 600 sailors and marines from the warships, and all available local forces, accompanied by the Governor and Ministers and official personages. : The procession formed a racist imposing spectacle, and the popular enthusiasm was . unbounded. The contingent proceeded along the principal, streets amid loud cheers and the good wishes of the assem bled masses. On reaching the Quay the men formed a hollow square, and were addressed by the Governor who said this was the first time in the history of the British Empire of a distant colony sending at its own cost a completely equipped contingent of troops, who had volunteered with an enthusiasm of which those only who witnessed it could judge. They would be greeted in' Egypt by a hearty welcome from thousands of chivalrous soldiers, and news of their exploits would be eagerly read in all parts of the world where onr flag floats. The country, he added, charges itself with the care of the dear ones left behind. All that generosity, tenderness and gratitude could dbwould be done and lobked upon as a labour of love by the nation, The contingent, numbering 800, then marched on board the transports, which were accompanied to the Heads by a fleet of small steamers.