2

that before the next Session, all requisite information be collected and laid before the Assembly ; including accurate statistical returns of population, distinguishing Natives from persons of European Race—of the number of bona f.de Electors —and of persons qualified as such in the different Electoral Districts ; and all such other information as may relate to the subject. Also, —That it is highly desirable that any revision of the Electoral Rolls should be effected by Revising Officers appointed for that purpose, instead of by the Bench of Magistrates. Mr. Ludlam moved, with leave of the House, seconded by Mr. Kelham, that it be a recommendation to the Committee of Supply, to consider the expediency of presenting an address to his Excellency the Officer administering the Government, praying that he will be pleased to place upon the Estimates the sum of One hundred pounds, for Mr. Grimstone, in consideration ofthe length of time that gentleman has been out of office. Mr. Travers moved, with the leave of the House, seconded by Mr. Sewell, that should the consideration of the Estimates be concluded before 4 o'clock, the House proceed to consideration of the notices of motion, standing on the paper for six o'clock. —Agreed to. On motion of Mr. Merriman, Standing Order No. 29 was suspended in order to enable him to make a motion without notice, Mr. Merriman moved, seconded by Mr. Mackay, that it be an instruction to the Committee of Supply to take into consideration the propriety of presenting an Address to His Excellency the Officer administering the Government, requesting him to place on the Estimates a sum of money on behalf of the widow and children of the late Mr. Coates. Agreed to. Mr. Kelham, pursuant to notice, moved No. 8, standing in his name on this day's Paper, respecting the erection of a Lighthouse at "Wellington. Question put and negatived. On motion of Mr. Carleton, the Committee appointed to consider the Pre-emption Land Claims Bill, was authorized to send for persons and papers. Mr. Sewell brought up the report of the Committee appointed to report upon the Public Debts of the Colony. Report read and ordered to be printed; and ordered to be referred to the Committee on the Estimates. Mr. Mackay brought up the report of Committee appointed to report on the Expenditure on account of the General Assembly. Report read and ordered to be printed ; and ordered to be referred to the Committee on the" Estimates. The Speaker announced to the House that His Excellency the Officer administering the Government had been pleased to approve of the Standing Orders, relative to the final passing of Bills through the Assembly. Mr. Mackay moved that the Report on the Expenditure on account of the General Assembly be amended, a resolution having been accidentally omitted.—Leave given. Resolution read and ordered to be printed with the report. On motion of Mr. Mackay the Speaker left the Chair, and the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole for further consideration of the Estimates. On the Speaker resuming the Chair, the Chairman reported progress and obtained leave to sit again to-morrow. House adjourned at 4 o'clock until 6 o'clock this evening.

Tuesday, September 12th, 1854, (6 p.m.) Present :—The Speaker and 30 members. The House met pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker took the Chair. A deputation from the Legislative Council was announced, The Honorables F. D. Bell, Esq., H. Seymour, Esq., 11. Richardson, Esq., and F. Wbitaker, Esq., were introduced, who severally presented the Waste Lands Bill, Public Reserves Bill, Dower Bill, and English Acts Bill, as amended by the Legislative Council. Mr. Ludlam gave notice that, at the next sitting of the House, he would move that the consideration of the Estimates take precedence of all other business until it be concluded. On motion of Mr. Sewell the House agreed to seven recommendations of addresses to His Excellency, on subjects connected with the Estimates, as carried in Committee of Supply.