IN SOMALILAND.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 18, 26 February 1914, Page 7

IN SOMALILAND.

THE RECENT DISASTER.

CAPTAIN COHriELD'S DEATH. l

"Times"—"Sydney Sun" Special Cable. LONDON, February 24.

During the discussion on the mentary Estimates in the House of Commons, Sir G. Parker charged the Government with vacillation in Somaliland, . and described Mr Harcourt's minute regarding -Captain Corfield's death as callous and ungenerous. Mr Harcourt stated that the morning when Captain Corfield started out on his reconnaissance he (was warned by the Acting-Commissioner, Mr Archer, in the presence of Captaiu Somers, not to engage the Deryishes, and gave undertakings to that effect, but disobeyed his orders. He had .hitherto, endeavoured to hide this in Captain Corfield's interests. The Camel Corps cost £58,000 annually. It was dreary work awaiting dead men's shoes, but the Mullah was old, in an advanced, stage of dropsy, unable to move, a.nd incapable of leading the Dervishes, and there was no possible successor when he died. Somaliland was comparatively a peaceful country. ME HARCOURT'S ACTION. LONDON, February 25. The House of Commons discussed the Somaliland expedition, and Mr Harcourt's action in blaming Captain Corfield was criticised. Mr Harcourt, replying, in justification said that it was not 'proposed to extend territory in Somaliland or send an expedition against the Mullah, but the Camel Corps would be increased to 500.