MINISTERIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7191, 4 March 1885, Page 3

MINISTERIAL INTELLIGENCE.

(Pub Unhid Pbess Assooiatios.l Wellington, March 3. Sir Julius Vbgel will leave here in the Hinemoa next Sunday for Lyttelton, for the purpose of being present at a banquet at Christchurch on the 12th inst. It is probable, though not finally decided, that the Hon. 'Mr Tole will accompany Sir Julius, and that the former gentleman, while South, will inspect the institutions under his control. The question of removing the Police Department from that of the Defence Department, and of placing it under the control of the Minister of Justice, is being considered by the Cabinet. It is understood that Mr Tola is favourable to this being done, as also are one or two members of the Government, For some time past the Government have been inviting tenders for a large number of sleepers for the North Island' Trunk railway and other works," but the price is so high that the full amount will not be accepted, and fresh tenders will; it ia thought, be called for shortly. Should the high price of' sleepers be maintained in the Colony, the Cabinet will consider the question of importing sleepers. Parliament ia to be further prorogued until April, when the Government will decide on the date'to call hop. members together for the j deßpatoh of business.

The Hon. Mr Ballance will shortly leave for the South on business connected with the Lands Department. It is not improbable that he may accompany Sir Juliua Vogel to Christchnrch. While South Mr Ballance will endeavour to establish small-farm settlements. Six of these associations of 100 members eaon are already in existence in Wellington- and Napier districts.

The Hon. Mr Ballance has in hand a semimilitary settlement scheme in connection with the Armed Constabulary. For some time past the have been aware that when reductions are made in the force those discharged, generally make their way over to the neighbouring Colonies. It is the intention of Government to allow the men to take up small settlements of, say, 100 acres, on easy terms, under the deferred-payment system. The settlements are to be on the West Coast and along the route of the Northern Main Trunk railway, and in eaoh case to be in close contiguity to publio works. The men taking up sections are to be allowed a certain quantity of rations, for which some slight duty will be expected in return. By this means the Government hope to prevent the men leaving the Colony, and also to.bave in the Native districts settlers who have been thoroughly drilled, and who would ba able to protect themselves in case of any rising of the Natives. They also consider that the force, under these conditions, could be reduced without affecting its usefulness. The regulations for this scheme will be gazetted Bhortly. Mr Ballance hopes before long to extend the system to the civil polioe force.