POLITICAL ITEMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10598, 19 February 1896, Page 2

POLITICAL ITEMS.

(Per United Press Association.') Wellington, February 18. ' The Cabinet business yesterday was confined purely to departmental business, and thiß morning defence matters were under discussion. In connection with cadeto in the public service joining the volunteer service the Minister for Defence states that the intention.is that all sadets in the servica shall, oa attaining the ago of 18, be compelled to enter a volonteer company for a period of three years. Mr Seddon points out that it; has come to his knowledge that private employers have g:c»afcod greater facilities to their employees who aca members r>f volunteer corps to attend parades, camps, &0., and instruction is to be issued to heads of ill branches of the service that in future the folmiteer movement is to be facilitated in every possible maaner. A farther Cabinet meeting was held this ifternoon and to-night. The Hon. Mr Ward leaves for the south to-morrow. It 'is probable that the Governor and the Hoa. Mr Carroll will not start for the Urircera country uutil Thursday. A suggestion for a travelling show of agricultural pvocSuct-3 h&i" been favonrably received by the Cabinet and referred to the Minister for Apricnlfcnre. Mr Elioti, Under-secretavy of Mines, is also appointed secretary of the Industries and Commerce department. Mr Duncan, inspector of machinery at Dunedm, has been appointed chisf inspector. Mr Waatiherhill has been placed oa the liflt of permanent inspectors.