THE AUSTRALIAN TROOPS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3257, 5 March 1885, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN TROOPS.

Prom late Australian files we gather the following details of the preparations .for the departure of the New South Wales contingent, which took place on Monday last. The charters of the Iberia and the Australasia stipulate that the charges shall be as follow : — £15 per soldier, £40 per officer, £25 per horse, and 30s per ton for cargo. The cost will amount to nearly £19,000. The Iberia will take 600 men, 26 officers, and 24 horses ; and the Australasia 225 horses, 100 men, and from 600 to 800 tons of cargo. The Secretary of the Australian Widows' Fund has notified that the fact of volunteering for service m the Soudan will not m anyway operate to the. prejudice of policy-holders. The Mutual Life Association of Australasia and the City Life Assurance Society have decided to adopt a similar course. Colonel Roberto has caused to be made out a requisition for only such clothing as will be required by the men for the voyage, and it is also considered that supplies should be asked for from England of garments made of Ifcharki material and color, and that arrangements should be made for them to meet the expedition on its arrival m Suaknn. Official notices have been issued that the imen during tho summer months are only to wear such shirte as are made of flannel. The volunteers for the Permanent Artillery are being subjected to a strict medical examiimtion. Colonel Roberts has decided to alter what is considered to be tho strict regulation detail of ammunition by increasing the number of case shot with each gun from four to sixteen rounds ; the reason for the cbango being that thie form of projectile is peculiarly effective against any hostile attack which, may be made by a numerous force. The case shot consists simply of a tin canister charged with bullets which, on being' fired, spread like a shower of hail upon the assailants. The following telegram has been received from the Agent-General to reply to one from.

Mr Dnlley :— " War Office will send ammunition for Artillery guns, and undertake continuous supply. Will take charge of the forage and ration troops on the same scale as the Imperial forces. Money will be supplied to your commandant as required. Will supply regimental transport." Rear- Admiral Tryon ha* offered for the troops m the Soudan 600 hammocks. The offer was immediately accepted. 3Jhe Inspector-General of Police has issued 100 of the best revolvers, with 20,000 rounds of ammunition, cases and belts, to be forwarded with the expedition. The revolvers are Adams' 8.L., self-acting revolvers. Five ambulance wagons, two surgery and pharmacy wagons, and two wagons for general field hospital storeß will accompany the expedition.