No. 22.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 1356. 1. The House met pursuant to adjournment; Mr. Speaker and thirty-one members being present; Mr. Speaker read prayers and took the chair. 2. Papers :—The Colonial Secretary laid on the table the folowing papers :— Comparative Statements showing the expenditure on each branch of the public service, with the amount voted for the same, for the nine months ended 30th September, 1853 ; for the nine months ended 30th of June, 1854 ; and for the year ended 30th June, 1855, as called for in a resolution of the House of the 6th May, 1856" 3. Policy of the Government: — Mr. Stafford, with the leave of the House, asked the hon. member at the head of the Government (Mr. Fox), whether and when he will be prepared to make a full statement of the proposed policy of the Government, and what measures he proposes to introduce with reference to the settlement of the many questions of urgent importance which are pending. Mr. Fox at once proceeded to answer the question put to him by Mr. Stafford, and specified in detail the various measures which he proposed to indroduce during the present session. 4. Returning Ofßcer at Bay of Islands :—Mr. Carleton, pursuant to notice, moved, That copies of all correspondence with the General Government concerning the proceedings of the Returning Officer at the Bay of Islands during the late elections, be laid upon the table of this House > Question put and passed. 5. Adjournment:—On motion of the Colonial Secretary the House adjourned at half past six o'clock until to-morrow at noon.

NOTICES OF MOTION AND ORDERS OF THE DAY. Thursday, 22nd May, 1856. ]. The Colonial Secretary to move, That the comparative Statements of Estimate and Expenditure for the financial periods ending 30th September, 1853, 30th June, 1854, and 30th June, 1855, be printed. Also, that the returns of the cost of furnishing returns and printing for the General Assembly be printed. 2. Mr. Lee to move for a Select Committee to take into consideration, and report to this House, on the petition of Alexander Browne, with power to call for persons and papers. The Committee to consist of Mr. Smith, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Cuff, Mr. Elliott, Mr. East, and the mover. 3. Me. Fitzhhrbert to move. That the basis on which the payments made to members of this House are at present calculated, is unsound, and ought to be altered. That with this view, the honorarium payable to members for their sessional attendance, should be fixed at one uniform sum, and ought not to be made dependent upon the duration of each particular session.

ORDERS OF THE DAY. 1. Report of Finance Committee. 2. Report

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.