A.—No. 1

No. 23.—" Auckland Eesebves Act, 1863."

The object of this Act is to enable a Government House to be erected in a more convenient site, and the site of the present Government House to be appropriated for Government offices.

No. 24.—" The Wellington Patent Slip Act, 18G3."

The object of this Act is to enable the Provincial Government of Wellington to procure suitable land for the erection of a Patent Slip.

No. 25. —" Tue Jury Law Amendment Act, 18G3."

Is intended to remedy some hardships that have been felt, especially from the long attendance required of jurymen at some of the Sessions of the Supreme Court.

No. 26.—"Deeds Eegistration Amendment Act, 1863." The objects of this Act are set out in the preamble.

No. 27.—" Tikokino Beseete Act, 1863."

This Act is intended to prevent private individuals from suffering injury from the proceedings of the Provincial Government of Hawke's Bay. The purchase of land by the Superintendent in the manner mentioned in the preamble was disapproved of and disallowed by the General Government. The transaction is described in the preamble.

No. 23.—" Mabtxe Boabds Act, 18G3."

By an Act of Assembly of 18(32, a Marine Board was established for the Colony, and Local Marine Boards for the several Provinces. The Act was left to its operation, but attention was called to severa. of its provisions by a despatch of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle (No. 44, 20th April, 1863), and the enclosure therein from the Board of Trade. A Bill was brought in to amend the Act, in conformity with the suggestions of the Board of Trade, but the Assembly thought fit to remodel the Act in conformity with the suggestions made, including certain amendments in reference to the Local Boards which experience of the former Act had suggested. The present Act will be found to embody the suggestions of the Board of Trade, together with a substitution of the Provincial authorities for the Loeal nßoard3 appointed by the former Act.

No. 29.—""Wellington and Hawke's Bat Natal and Military Settlebs Act, 1863."

The law authorising the granting of land to Naval and Military Settlers has been in force for several years in these Provinces, but has not been found to operate beneficially. A considerable quantity of land has been taken up, but very few permanent settlers have been secured. The object of this Act is to repeal the law referred to. (Vide p. 18.)

No. 30. " TUE GOLDFJELDS ACT AMENDMENT ACT, 1863."

" The Goldfields Act, 1862" was hastily passed, and contains several imperfections. It was contemplated to repeal it, and enact a new law, but it was thought best by a Committee of the House of Eepresentatives in the past Session to amend the present Act with a view" to the consolidation at a future time, when the present law, with the amendments, has received a further trial. One of the greatest difficulties in the management of the goldfields is to provide them with proper courts for the administration of justice. This subject has received much consideration, and it has been found desirable to add to the strength of the Supreme Court by the appointment of another Judge, for whom provision has been made, with a view to Circuit Courts being held in the goldfields. As a temporary arrangement, it is intended to bring into operation the District Court, and special provision is made for this by the 11th section of the Act, authorising the Governor in Council to make special rules for that Court on the goldfields. The other provisions of the Act arc intended to meet inconveniences that have arisen in working the present law.

No. 31.—" Otago Waste Lands Act, 1863, No. 1." No. 32.—"Otago Waste Lands Act, 1863, No. 2.'

These Acts effect large alterations in the land laws of the Province of Otago, and very decided improvements. After a lengthened trial it has been found that what are called the improvement clauses iii lue existing Eegulations are unworkable. They have already created great confusion and difficulty, lhe pr.ncipal object of these Acts is to provide means for setting right the past, and to make better provision for the future.

16

PAPERS RELATIVE TO ACTS