THE Inangahua Times, PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1882.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1120, 23 August 1882, Page 2

THE Inangahua Times, PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1882.

The latest news from Egypt shows that the war has begun in earnest now, and that Arabi is not to be allowed longer to threaten either the British forces or British interests, nn attack on his position at Kafradowar having been determined on, nnd probably before this time made. This is a sufficient proof that he is considered formidable, and that it has become necessary to crush him before his power becomes enlarged. Unless stern necessity compelled such an attack, it is in the highest degree improbable that it would be made, as Arabi is reported to hold a very strong entrenched position, admirably adapted for purposes of defence, and further to have no less than 100 guns mounted. Any assault must be attended with great loss of life, thoug}. of. its ultimate success tliere can be *no 'doubt, and it is certain tliat very grave reasons influenced the authorities when resolving on such a sacrifice. The engagement must be a terrific one, as we are told that nearly all the British troops now in Egypt, and all the fleet, with two exceptions, will take part in it The latest news tells us that the transports with the troops have reached Aboukir, and that the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Garnet Wolseley, is on board one of them. The attack must, therefore, have been made before this, and every one must feel the most intense anxiety to know with what result. Sir Garnet Wolseley is not a man to cut time to waste when there is work to do, and a very short time will informs us how he has fared. In the meantime, negotiations are reported to be still proceeding between the British Government and the Porte, for concluding a military convention for the occupation of Egypt, and the subjugation of the insurgent leader, but it would seem as though the terms of this will not be agreed on, in all probability, before'the latter por tion of the programme, is effected by the defeat and dispersion of Arabi's i forces, which will leave the remaining [portion of the programme easy to carry out. Be this as it may, it is very evident that active operations are being carried on, and thrilling news may be looked for at any moment. A very unexpected development, and one that must benefit, the colonies immensely has arisen out of the war. By recent cablegrams we learn that the frozen meat cargo of one. of the Orient steamers was purchased by the Government for the supply of the troops and* fleet, and further that it has given the utmost satisfaction to all. Besides this, fifty torus' of forage are shipped by every outward mail steamer, by one firm, from Adelaide alone, and these are leaving every fortnight. It is most probable that other parts of Austaalia are also contributing their quota, so the total quantity must be considerable. In any case, whether the operations now being carried on are immediately successful or not, some time will elapse before the troops evacuate Egypt, even when'order is restored, and a readily available and excellent market is thereby opened to the colonies for the disposal of their produce. As yet, Australia only seems to have availed herself of it, but there is no possible reason why New Zealand should not share in the advantages offered. As a rule, the New Zealand meat has arrived at Home in far better condition than that from Australia, whether owing to more favorable climatic conditions for shipment, greater care in preparation, or more eflicient machinery, we cannot say. The fact remains, however, and if, therefore, the Australian meat was so highly appreciated, that from this colony wonld certainly be equally and very likely much more approved of. No doubt shippers will be on the look out foi their own interests, for if lhey can obtain as good or a better market at half the distance, it is not likely that they will send all the way to England. This newa will be good to the pastoral interest, though in it the Inangahua distrit will have no share. England has now admittedly only herself to depend or in bringing matters to an issue, and without doubt she is addressing herself to the task with right good-will, and with an amount of vigor and determination, that has already astonished other-Powers, and cannot fail to bring the issue to a speedy and favorable termination. The course taken bids fair to be short, sharp, and decisive, and the war, whether wisely entered into or otherwise, will certainly not be a prolonged one, unless other combatants enter the arena than those at present engaged in hostilities.