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papers connected with this subject which have been addressed to me by Her Majesty's Government should be laid before you.

The Imperial Parliament having recently agreed to certain resolutions with a view to putting an end to the troublesome and expensive practice of engrossing the Acts of the Legislature, I have directed that copies of these resolutions should be laid before you, because the precedent thus afforded by the Imperial Legislature is one which I think you may find it expedient and desirable to adopt in reference to your own proceedings.

The Imperial Parliament having also afforded the precedent of passing an Act for shortening the language used in Acts of Parliament, which may I think be most beneficially followed in New Zealand, I have directed that a measure for that purpose should be prepared for your consideration.

The usual Financial papers shall be laid before you previously to my introducing a bill to provide for the appropriation of the revenues of these Colonies.

Several measures in addition to those which I have alluded to in this address will be presented for your consideration, the requisite explanations regarding which shall be afforded to you, when the respective bills are introduced.

In conclusion, it only remains for me to inform you that I have not upon the present occasion presented for your consideration any specific measures in relation to the large Native population of these islands, not because I am indifferent to, or unaware of the importance of this subject, but because the Laws relating to it which have already been enacted have appeared to me to suffice for the immediate wants of the Natives, and they are apparently working so beneficially for the Native population, that I have felt unwilling in any way to interfere with their operation.

Should however your knowledge and experience enable you to suggest any amendments in existing laws relating to the Native race, or any new laws which may promote their greater welfare, you will find me, as on all other subjects relating to the interests of these Islands, prepared cheerfully and cordially to second your exertions for the public good.”

G. Grey.

Legislative Council Chamber,
May 19th, 1851.

On the motion of the Attorney-General,
seconded by the Colonial Treasurer, the
Address of His Excellency to the Legis-
lative Council, was ordered to be printed.

His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief laid
on the table the following Bills:—

A Bill entitled “New Zealand Company’s
Land Claimants Bill.”

“A Bill to impose a Specific Duty on
certain Goods in lieu of ad valorem duty.”

“A Bill to provide for the Establishment
of Provincial Legislative Councils.”

“A Bill to Arrest Debtors escaping from
the Colony.”

“A Bill for the Naturalization of certain
Persons.”

“A Bill to amend an Ordinance for regu-
lating Marriages in the Colony of New
Zealand.”

The Attorney-General gave notice that,
at the next Meeting of Council, he should
move the first reading of “Debtors’ Bill.”

Mr. Hickson gave notice that, at the next
Meeting of Council, he should move the first
reading of “Customs Bill.”

The Colonial Secretary gave notice that,
at the next Meeting of Council, he should
move the first reading of “Naturalization
Bill.”

The Colonial Treasurer gave notice that,
at the next Meeting of Council, he should
move the first reading of “Marriage Amend-
ment Bill.”

His Excellency then adjourned the Coun-
cil at four o’clock p.m., to Thursday the
29th instant at 2 o’clock, in order to afford
absent members time to arrive from the
other settlements.

H. S. Harrison,
Clerk of Council.

Legislative Council Chamber,
May 19th, 1851.

Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Wellington, 23rd May, 1851.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVER-
NOR-IN-CHIEF has been pleased to appoint

James Hay Wodenhouse, Esquire,
to act as His Excellency’s Private Secretary
during the absence of Captain Nugent, 53th
Regiment.

The appointment to take effect from the
19th instant.

By His Excellency’s command,

Alfred Domett,
Colonial Secretary.