A.—l.

Enclosures. Memorandum for His Excellency. (No. 67.) Premier's Office, Wellington, 14th April, 1897. The Premier has the honour to forward, for transmission to the Eight Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a synopsis, prepared by the Law Officers, of the Acts passed at the first session of the thirteenth Parliament of New Zealand. E. J. Seddon.

The Colonial Secretary. Below is the usual synopsis of Acts passed by the General Assembly, and which has been prepared by me. The Acts in question are those of the recent session of Parliament. 13th April, 1897. W. S. Eeid.

Synopsis of the Acts passed by the Genebal Assembly of New Zealand in the First Session of the Thirteenth Parliament, held in the Year 1897. Public General Acts. No. 1. The Legislative Council Act Amendment Act. — This Act provides for the present Speaker of the said Council holding office until fourteen days after the commencement of the next session if his term of office expires when Parliament is not in session, and also provides for the appointment of an Acting Speaker if the office of Speaker becomes vacant. No. 2. The Public Eevenues Acts Amendment Act.—This Act is to remain in force until the 14th day of October, 1897, and meantime amends the law relating to the public revenues so as to enable the public service of the colony to be carried on until the next ensuing session of Parliament, and also makes other temporary financial arrangements.

Local Act. No. 1. The Wellington City Sanitation Loan Act.—This Act authorises the Council of the City of Wellington to raise by special loan a further sum or sums not exceeding £33,000, in addition to the amount authorised by " The Wellington City Sanitation Loan Empowering Act, 1892," for drainage purposes.

No. 22. (No. 20.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 15th April, 1897. In reply to your despatch of the 16th January last, addressed to the A Earl of Glasgow, I have the honour to state that the necessary Proclamation has j been made, and published in the New Zealand Gazette, a copy of which I now enclose. I have, &c, JAMES PEENDEEGAST. The Eight Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

A.-2, 1897, No. 28 (thCoinage Ac6j

No. 23. (No. 29.) Sic, — Government House, Wellington, 12th May, 1897. I have the honour to have sent in a separate cover, for presentation to Her Majesty, a joint address to Her Majesty passed by both Houses of Parliament, which has been forwarded to me by the Speakers of both Houses with the request that I should forward it to you, to be laid at the foot of the Throne. I also enclose a copy of the address. I have, &c, JAMES PEENDEEGAST. The Eight Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Approximate Coat of Paper.— Preparation, not given: printing (1,375 copies), £1 ss. M.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97. Price 6d.]

3—A. 1.

13