THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3251, 26 February 1885, Page 3

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

(PbrElectricTblegraph.— Copyright. (Reuter's Agency.) LReceived 1.30 p.m., Fob. 2Sth-l London, Feb. 24. At a meeting of the National Rifle Association to-day, the Duke of Cambridge presided. In the course of his speech he expressed a hope that the Imperial Government might find it possible to utilise the offers made by other colonieß than New South Wales, of troops for the Soudan. In his speech on the motion of censure, Mr Gladstone strongly defended the Egyptian policy of the Government, and m regard to the death of General Gordon, urged that it was unavoidable under the circumstances. [Received 0.05 a.m., Fob. 26th.J London, Feb. 24. In the House of Commons to-day, Sir Stafford Northcote's motion of censure on the Egyptian policy of the Government, was further discussed, and after various speakers had addressed the House, the debate wa3 again adjourned. The division on the motion will take place on Friday next. 9 [By Telegraph.] (Per s.B. Wairarapa at Auckland.) Sydney, Feb. 20. The approaching departure of the troops for the Soudan is the all-absorbing topic. All is bustle and excitement everywhere, and men are offering themselves freely, both married and single. Numbers are being enrolled daily, and sent into barracks. The steamers Iberia and Australasia, which have been chartered, will soon commence to load. A Council of War, consisting oi 'Messrs Dalley, Dibbs and Wright, sits daily, and a great deal of business is done. Respectable citizens who have been following numbers of tradeshere have been suddenly transported into fullblown field officers with a military status, and with handsome pay. The allowances have been made on the following scale : — £1250 is the pay of officers (colonels) m command, to £325 for lieutenants, and men from 9s 6d to 6s per day. Provision is also made for wives and families, and for casualties. The enthusiasm has extended to the country, and a number of volunteers have arrived from different centres. Contributions of money and kind flow m each day. Among them being such things as biscuits, tobacco, aerated waters, musical instruments, and various articles for use, entertainment and comfort, and the money contributions are large and numerous. Some of the field officers are past the prime of life. Colonel Spalding will command the Artillery, with Major Airy, and Lieut.-Colonel Raymond the Infantry. Everything is being done to fit out the expedition with every requisite. They will not take guns, as they are too heavy, but will receive a battery of ninepounders at Suakim. War correspondents from each paper will accompany the expedition. In the midst of all this preparation there are not wanting theme who raise their voices m deprecation of the course pursued, and loudest among them is Sir Henry Parkes. It is urged m opposition that England is not at war with any German (?) power and does not absolutely require our help ; that no legislative sanction has been given to the step which will involve an immense amount of money ; that, m fact, a feeling of jingoism has run away with the acting Colonial Secretary and a large portion of the people. Anyhow all agree that the New South Wales troops will comport themselves with credit m the field. -