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8. Debentures Mr. Smith, pursuant to notice, asked the Government whether any, and if so, what opinion has been received from the Crown Lawyers in England as to whether the Debenture debt, amounting to £3675 165., incurred in satisfaction of land claims in the Province of Wellington, should be borne by that Province or by the New Zealand Company. Mr. Stafford replied, That the Government was not aware that any such opinion had been received in the colony. 9. Salaries of Public Officers Mr. Bell, pursuant to (amended) notice, moved, That in the opinion of this House, the salaries of public officers of the Legislature, and of the high Executive officers of the General Government, as also the allowances, if any, to the members of the Legislature, should not be provided by annual vote, but ought to be settled by permanent appropriation. Question put and passed. 10. Mr. Duppa, Land claim of:—Mr. Fox, pursuant to notice, moved, That the decision of Mr. Justice Stephen relative to a land claim on behalf of Mr. Duppa, referred to him under the Land Claimants' Ordinance, be laid upon the table of this House. Question put and passed. 11. Bacot, Staff-Surgeon, Petition of :—Mr. Carleton, pursuant to notice, moved, as a resolution, That this House, having considered the report of the select Committee on Dr. Bacot's petition, concur in the views expressed therein. Debate ensued. 12. Sanding Orders:—lt being now two o'clock, the further consideration of Mr. Carleton's motion was adjourned until to-morrow, and the House proceeded to the consideration of the orders of the day. • 13 Ways and Means:—The seventh order of the day having been read, Mr. Speaker left the chair and the House resolved itself into a Committee of Ways and Means. On Mr. Speaker resuming the chair, the Chairman reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again to-morrow. 14. Suspension of Standing Order:—Mr. Ludlara moved the suspension of Standing Order No. 56, in order that he might give notice of a resolution to be moved by him to-morrow in committee of Ways and Means. Question put and passed. 15. Adjournment:—Mr. Fitzherbert moved, That this House do now adjourn until eight o'clock this evening. Question put. House divided. Ayes, 18. Noes, 4. Mr. Brodie, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Cargill, Mr. East, Mr. Stafford, Mr. Domett, Mr. Filzherbert, Mr. Bell (teller). Sir. Campbell, Mr. Travers, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Ludlam, Mr. Ward, Mr. Fox, Mr. Curtis, Mr.Wells, Captain Cargill, Mr. Carleton, Mr. Cuff, Mr. Brown, The Colonial Treasurer, Mr. Macandrew (teller). The House adjourned accordingly.

The House resumed at eight o'clock. J6. Native Reserves Bill:—The Colonial Treasurer moved, That this Bill be now read a second time. Question put and passed, and the Bill read accordingly; and on motion of the Colonial Treasurer, Mr. Speaker left the chair, the House resolving itself into a Committee of the whole for the consideration of the Bill. On Mr. Speaker resuming the chair, the Chairman reported progress and obtained leave to sit again to-monow, 17- Postponement