The Relief of Khartoum.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 71, 11 October 1884, Page 6

The Relief of Khartoum.

Most reassuring news reaches us fr®m the Soudan to-day. It is reported that an army despatched by General Gordon from Khartoum has reached Berber, and recaptured that town from the rebel forces. These tidings are doubly welcome. They are not only gratifying in themselves, but because of the sense of relief which they bring as to the condition of Gordon and his forces. Several days ago a telegram was received alleging that Khartoum was re-invested, and that the garrison had only provisions to the end of September. It is clear now that that message must have referred to a period prior to General Gordon's last defeat of the Mahdi, and that the garrison is not only safe, but able to spare an expeditionary force to Berber. Another item of news which will be hailed with satisfaction is that which denies the truth of a statement circulated by the London " Times " to the effect that General Lord Wolseley was to be recalled this month. Not only are we thus assured that the Khartoum relief expedition will not arrive too late, but we are also, informed that the work will be carried to itstermination by the able General who has conceived and so far executed the plan of operations. As Lord Wolseley is advancing with great rapidity, we may expect within a few days tohearof his junction with thetroops at; Dongola,and of the advance on the besieged city of Khartoum.

ißand of Hope waR in decline, bnt.it was «quite evident the. report was false, and he was both surprised and delighted to iee so large and representative an audi «nee present. The speaker went on to refer to the duty as* well as privilege it was to assist in a work of this kind, and concluded a wry instructive address by wishing th« Te Aroha. Band of Hope a long and prosperous career of usefulness. Before closing the meeting the Chairman announced that at its conclusion a second meeting would be held foi the purpose of electing n committee in order to give the work a fiesh start under new management. Me&<r? tiott and Ashb\, the only miMitliers of the ortaina! committee (appointed some 16 montns ago and most of whom have long since left the district) who have taken any active interest whatever in the movement, and and upon whom has devolved the whole conduct and management during the past 12 months, found it almost impossible, owing to the time required and trouble in arranging meetings, etc., to carry out everything connected therewith satisfactorily without assistance. These gentlemen, therefore, desired a change, and the following committee were elected f< r the ensuinir 12 months with power to add to t. eir number : Rev. T. J. WilK Messrs llott, W. Ashby, and J. P. Vause, Misses Bloomfield , and Lavery. Boy. Mr Wills was elected President, and MrJ. P. Vause secretary an 1 treasurer. Ht arty and unani.nous votes of thanks were accorded Messrs llott and Asnt»y (late president and secretary ). for tsie able and energetic manner in which t sey had carried on the work hitherto. To them the credit is due of bavins: so successfully conducted the Ban- 1 of Hope from the time of its first starting in Te Aroha until now. With a few exceptions (dining severe winter weather) fotnightly meetings have been regularly held, interesting programmes arranged, and many won over to the cause. Strangers who have from time to time happened to be present have expressed their surprise at seeing such large and influential temperance gatherings in so young a district. The number of pledges now on the books is 130, independent of any taken by blue ribbon delegates, and tuis fact alone shows that ;he movement has been making sure and steady progress. The newly-elected committee intend doing everything possible ' to still further advance the temperance cause in the district, and expect to see it make rapid strides during the coming summer. The next open meeting will be held on Tuesday evening next at 7 o'clock. A good program me is being prepated, and prizes will be given for best recitations from members under 12. A fund box will be placed at the door, so that anyone willing to assist the movement may have an opportunity of doing so. All are cordially inrited tojattend. — (Communicated.)