NEWS NOTES FROM WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7268, 5 March 1885, Page 5

NEWS NOTES FROM WELLINGTON.

[BY TBLBGBAPH.—OWN' CORRESPONDENT.] Wellikgtox, Wednesday. OUR SOUDAN CONTINGENT. I AM informed that the discusaion in the Cabinet in regard to the volunteers for the Soudan wan lengthy, and turned mainly upon the practicability of sending any force from the colony that could be of any service. Ministers were unanimous in their acknowledgment of the loyal and patriotic sentiment in which the offers originated, coming as they did from all parts of the colony. There was first to be considered the question of " ways amd means" to carry out the objects of such an expedition if sanctioned. These could not be obtained except from Parliament, and by the time Parliament would have the subject brought before it the eea80U during which opearations in the Soudan could be carried on would have nearly passed. No doubt the Government could accept "patriotic aid" from private sources, but they.could not rely on its sufficiency, and they could not as a Government ask for such assistance. They might, no doubt, act and aak an indemnity from Parliament, but if they adopted that course, Parliament would fix upon Ministers the responsibility for the movement and its successful result. It was also felt that there might be a party question raised out of the movement which would take away all the merit of it. SPECIAL SETTLEMENT. There was a proposal laid before the Cabinet by the Hon. Mr. Ballance and approved of, which'appears to me a movement of incalculable importance. It has been decided to establish along the North Island Trunk line of railway a semi-military settlement, to be composed of men drafted from the Armed Constabulary. A sufficient quantity of land will be allotted to these men along the route, to be purchased by them on deferred payment. The terms are to be very easy - in fact, these men become farmers holding their land upon condition of giving military service when required. They will be called out for drill at certain times in the year. The condition of their service, and the privilege given to them as landholders under a system resembling the ancient form of socage will regulate their payment. The men will be selected on account of good conduct, intelligence, and physical suitability. 1 have heard from the very best authority that one of the reasons which suggested this scheme was the desirability of keeping the best men ,of the force in the country. It is believed that the possession of land and the obligation ; of cultivating it will make them "settlers" 1 in the strictest and best sense of the word. I can vouch for the correctness of the above i being the objects contemplated by the Government in coming to this important resolution. The men will be called out for drill twice a year—spring and autumn. The farms are to consist of about 100 acres each. The men will have charge of the preservation of the peace along the line and in the interior of the North Island. THE SAMOAN DEPUTATION. I understand that no further action will be taken in this matter. The representations of the deputation will be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor. The proceedings will have no official significance whatever. MINISTERS. Sir Julius Vogel will leave here on Sunday for Lyttelton, to attend the banquet to be given to him in Christchurch. I am informed that it is probable he will proceed to Dunedin, and address the people there. The Hon. Mr. Ballance, in hie capacity as Minister of Lands, will also go South at an early date. THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE. The Hon. Mr. Tole was to have visited the South with Sir J. Vogel, but I understand that the illness of one of his children causes him some anxiety, so that it is not certain whether he may go on to Auckland. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. Reston, the Governor of Mount Eden Gaol, had an interview with the Hon. Minister of Jnstice yesterday, and also with the Minister of Public Works. Hβ is on leave of absence for the benefit of his health. Ministers have been in Cabinet to-day during the whole of the forenoon and also during the afternoon.