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No. 24 Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand to the Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley. (No. 59.) Government House, Wellington, My Lord, — New Zealand, 10th September, 1880. I have the honor to transmit to your Lordship copies of all Acts passed by the General Assembly during their late session, together with a synopsis of the same prepared by the Solicitor-General. 2. The Deceased Wife's Sister Marriage Act has been reserved for Her Majesty's assent, in accordance with the Royal Instructions, the same being an Act possibly affecting the Royal prerogative, and the rights of persons not residing in the colony. I have, &c, JAMES PRENDERGAST. The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley.

Enclosure in No. 24. Synopsis on the Acts passed by the G-enebal Assembly of New Zealand in the Session of Parliament held in the Tear 1880. The Public General Statutes. ■ 1; The Proclamations Validation Act validates certain proclamations issued under various Acts which were not duly gazetted at the time the same were intended to take effect. 2. The Imprest Supply Act authorizes an advance of £300,000 out of the Public Account by way of imprest for the service of the year ending 31st March, 1881, the money to be charged in the manner expressed in the Appropriation Act of the session appropriating the same. 3. The Imprest Supply Act (No. 2) similarly authorizes a further advance of £250,000. 4. The Maori Prisoners' Act is a temporary Act in sequel of " The Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners' Trials Act, 1879," of the last session (now expired) : provides for the further detention of the Maori prisoners referred to in the last-named Act, and their release without trial for the infliction of punishment so soon as the recommendations of the Boyal Commissioners for allaying the discontent existing in the West Coast District of the North Island can be given effect to, and the said prisoners can be permitted to return to such district without endangering the peace of the colony. This Act remains in force only three months, subject to extension for further periods of three months by the Governor in Council, until the end of the next session of Parliament, and no longer. 5. The Treasury Bills Act authorizes the issue of Treasury Bills to the amount of £590,000 for the redemption of Deficiency Bills and the renewal of Bills issued heretofore, and in supplement of the supplies granted to Her Majesty. 6. The Maori Prisoners' Detention Act is a temporary Act in supplement of " The Maori Prisoners' Act, 1880:" provides for the detention, under the terms of the Act last-named, of Natives arrested subsequent to the passing of the said Act for similar offences. 7. The Imprest Supply Act (JVo. 3) authorizes, in the same manner as the Imprest Supply Act, a further advance of £250,000. 8. The Land Transfer Act Amendment Act extends the definition of the term "mortgage," and provides that in case of sale by mortgagees of land under " The Land Transfer Act, 1870," they may become the purchasers, from which they were precluded by tlie enactment repealed by this Act. This Act also provides for the abolition of Crown grants in respect of all lands under the Land Transfer Acts, a certificate of title issuing at once instead of a Crown grant on proof of being entitled to a grant. This provision will materially accelerate the issue-of titles and simplify the administration of the public estate. 9. The Census Act Amendment Act provides for taking a census on the 3rd April, 1881, in accordance with the wishes of the Home authorities. 10. The Aliens Act is the first of fourteen Acts prepared by the Commissioners appointed under " The Revision of Statutes Act, 1879." It consolidates, without amendment, in one measure the laws of New Zealand relating to aliens. 11. The Cruelty to Animals Act is a consolidating measure on the subject indicated by its name. 12. The Mercantile Law Amendment Act consolidates the existing laws of New Zealand relating to trade and commerce. 13. The Arms Act consolidates the existing laws of the colony in relation to the importation, sale, and other disposition of arms, gunpowder, and warlike stores. 14. The Married Women's Property Protection Act consolidates the existing laws for the protection of the property of married women in cases of desertion or cruelty. 15. The Deaths by Accidents Compensation Act is a consolidation of the provisions of the Statute 9 and 10 Viet., c. 93, already in force within the colony, with the provisions of the later Statute 27 and 28 Viet., c. 95, not heretofore in force therein. 16. The Juries Act is a consolidation of the various existing laws in force in the colony relating to juries. 17. The Building Societies Act consolidates the existing laws of the colony relating to such societies. 18. The Animals Protection Act consolidates the laws relating to the protection of imported and indigenous animals for the prevention of their extermination.