63 415 2. P Unlike 1908, the past year has been comparatively free from disturbances of a seriuns nature. Only on one occasion had an armed force of any size to be employed, and the Nuba mountaineers were again the cause of the trouble. Captain Black, inspector of southern Kordofan, was fired upon and slightly wounded close to the scene of the previous year’s operations. The surrender of the men responsible for this outrage having been refused, a patrol was sent to punisb the mountaineers. The operations were successful, and lo3 head of cattle were seized, the enemy losing 6 men. There were no casualties among the Government troops.

The Khor Filous Dinkas also gave trouble by refusing to pay the herd tax, but the appearance of the inspector, Mr. Struve, with a small force under Captain Wood-Martin soon brought the tribesmen to their senses. A fine was inflicted and the tax paid without further demur.

3. F (a.) Brythrean Frontier.

Cordial relations continue to exist between the Erythrean and Soudanese local authorities, and questions arising on or near the frontier have been settled amicably by the officials on the spot without the intervention of the cenlral administration on either side.

(b.) Ahyssinian Frontier, In 1909 a raid was again made by Abyssinians on a village in Soudan territory, resulting in the death of one man and the abduction of a woman and her four children, hut on this occasion reparation was made and the woman and children restored to their home. This is the first time that any serious attempt has been made by the Abyssinian authorities to check raids or make restitution, and this case will doubtless have a reassuring effect on the Soudanese tribes near the frontier.

The delimitation of the only remaining g?ip in the boundary was carried out by Major Gwynn in the autumn. The frontier runs from the summit of the Birino Mountain (central peak) to the source of the tributary of the Akobo river, which is followed to its junction with the Akobo. Thence it proceeds along that stream to its confluence with the Pibor.

(c.) Western Frontier.

It is reported that the Government of the French Congo have established a pose, iu charge of a French officer, close to the boundary. If this rumour be confirmed, the local officials of the two Governments will be able to get into touch and to co-operate in preventing attemjDts at trading in slaves or arms.

The occupation of Abesher, the capital of Wadai, by the French was followed by the arrival in Darfour of several Wadain chiefs with a large following of homeless fugitives. It is to be hoped that their presence may not have an unsettling effect on Darfour affairs. The success of the French arms has brought the administrative influence of a friendly Power up to the frontier of the Soudan and should have the effect of dealinsr a severe blow to the Central African trade in slaves and arms, of O • -which Abesher was formerly the centre.

A yeai‘ ago news was received that Ali Dinar, Sultan of Darfour, had at last been successful against Senin, the Governor of Kebkebia, with whom he had been engaged in hostilities for some time past. Senin himself is reported to have been killed add his force to have been dispersed.

4. M The girls’ school at IChartoum has how ah attendance of 143 childreil, The boys’ tind girls’ schools in Omdurman are prdgressing satisfactorily; the latter has-60 children oh its books, and it is of interest to note that It is largely attended by children of Soudanese parentage.

Bishop Gvvyime gives encouraging reports of the hiisslon. work oh the Upper' Nile. The confidence of the Dinkas has been won and the advantaged of medical aid [384] F 3 • House of Commons Parliamentary Papers Online. Copyright (c) 2006 ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved.