GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEW ZEALAND.

The First Session of the General Assembly muW the New Constitution Act had been fixed by I'-,* ( tarnation to commence on Wednesday last, the - Mih iust.: and at noon on that day, the Members of the Legislative Council ami of the House of Represen tatives met in their respective chambers in the new buildings recently erected as a House of Assembly, J t had been previously notified that His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government had by 'warrant appointed the Chief .Justice to administer the Oath of Allegiance to the .Members, as requiredLv law; and His Honour was accordingly present for the purpose.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

WTonksoav, May 24

Present, all the Members except the Hon. Mr Peter and Captain Hellairs. The Chief Jusnce proceeded to administer the required (lath fothe Members; after which, the Members took their seats. (WILLIAM SWA INSOX, Ea, Attorney-General) then addressed the Council. I]g said that many of the members were no doubt already aware that His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government had been pleased to appoint hiiuLMr Swainson) to fill the office of First Speaker of the Legislative Council of the General Assembly ofV Zealand. But it might be proper that before .X feeding to take the Chair, he should read ana By before the Council the commission, authorising him to assume and exercise the duties of the office. (The Speaker here read the Commission, and then confinued]. He believed it was an ancient usage for the Speaker of the greatest Legislative Assembly in the world, on the occasion of his appointment to office, humbly to represent his incapacity for so great a trust. Having been appointed to the highest and most honourable office which it was in the power of Her Majesty’s Representative in New Zealand to bestow, he could assure the Council that he had not ventured to undertake its duties without some diffidence, or without a full sense of his need for their considerate indulgence. But having been selected to fill that distinguished office, and having accepted the appointment, he could assure the Council that he would feel it not only his duty, hut his own pride and pleasure to discharge its requirements in such a manner a< might tend to justify the choice, to uphold die character of that Council, and to promote the interests of tic* Colony at large. In exercising his duties, it might no doubt happen that he should express opinions and give decisions in which the Council might not be able to concur. But he would pray that, however much they might deem him to be in error, as to judgment, they would believe him to be at all times influenced by a sincere desire, faithfully, impartially, and to the best of his ability, to discharge the duties of the office. Tli/pSPEAKEH then read the Proclamation, .calling the Meeting of the General Assembly. WHITAKER moved the appointment for the Session of a Committee, to be called “The Standing Orders Committee,” whose duty it should be to jr.pore Rules for the management of the business of the House, and for such conferences and communications with a Committee of the House of Representatives as might be necessary. The Committee to consist of the Sjicaker. Mr. St. Hill, Mr. Bell, Mr. Sevmui r, and Mr. Whitaker. Mr. BELL objected to the transaction of any business then, as he did not conceive that the Council was duly constituted until the Assembly had beta formally*opened by the Officer Administering the Government. After a verv brief discussion, SPEAKER said that, being appealed to, he must decide that it was quite competent for the Council to take the proposed step, inasmuch as the 52nd clause of the Constitution Act required that the Council should proceed to the formation of Rules, (&c., at their fir>t sitting. motion was then put and carried; after which the Council adjourned until three o’clock. At that hour the Council again assembled “ pro forma,” but there being no business before diem, it was agreed to adjourn until Saturday (this day) at 2 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wkunksdat, May 24. The Members assembled at noon, Mr. CARLET( >N in the Chair. It was proposed that after the members had been sworn in, they should adjourn until Friday, to afford time for more fully considering who was the most suitable person for the office of Speaker. This matter remained innkcided when the Chief Justice tered (the members having expressed a desire to sworn in their own chamber) and administered oath. The discussion was then resumed, hut the having been excluded from the meeting, we an. il<*» acquainted with the particulars. We understand, j however, that the following Resolution was adopted, * on the motion of Mr. Rhodes, seconded by s Cntten: — | “ That a deputation from this private meeting of I the members of the House of Representatives do f wait upon His Excellency the Officer Administering I the Government, for the purpose of respectfully re-1 presenting to His Excellency the hope of the Meeting I that it may suit the convenience of His Excellency f to postpone until Friday next the opening of lbs | General Assembly. - ’ t The deputation—which consisted of Messrs Carlo-1 t >n, Cutten. Rhodes, Greenwood. Porter. Bartley, | Clifford, and O’Neill—lowing waited on His Excel- | lency, stated on their return that he had been pleaded ■ to say. that whenever it should be announced to li® that the House had elected its Speaker, he would | be prepared to open the Assemble, and deliver to | address. I Mr. CARLETON then declared, iho private mec:- f ing dissolved, end left tiro Chair: but on the motion | of Mr. Re vans, seconded ’ Ms I ” 1 to, rise hon. member resumed .-...ir in ■ was understood to be a regtila ■ M ' House. The CHAIRMAN tb A. : r bunatt^ summoning the Generalg Mr. REVANS propi coed to the election of S Mr. RHODES secondei Mr. M‘ANDREW mov Mr. Merriman seconded, joiint until Friday, at 11 dm. t. election of Speaker. Some discussion ensu . in, ‘a - o’ Mr. O’Neill urged an i , 1 | Mr. Forsaith argued, th :t b- . oursa •* having asked His Exce ’ punement, the House wouli ■- '■ . match - the amendment was car the ® c “ accordingly adjourned. Friday, Me - The 1 loure mot at e’er ' i Gertie* - to*#* filled to act tu- Ciminuai Kl-KCTIOX he Chainnan read tl tton Act, which requii meeting shall uroeeeil to < , ■ Mr. HARTLEY i\.so sure in tm.iai.-ing for tb of that ho . t‘ a gentler.. ‘” to am! to tiU .bo lin iube’ .'landing aim station. 1 i T 11i2i rat* colour. and uc*! M # »lsr4# ■ tic* ul honour auu ot r ‘ * ' ft k? tonuM nuiietiiir!'. .' nt iLte? tliat kindness <1 iiiauiH * , it* i » i 11’» —was Tilt* IUL .tM qUi . afljrfg ing to harmonise an 1 ' ,r the members one v ’{thrift sure the noase wci. . bJll res; msioie and Imm, uaicli pleasure in i

elected, he would fulfil the duties of the office with impartiality, grace, and dignity. Mr. FITZGERALD felt that he could with much satisfaction second the motion which had just been proposed to the house. He believed that the office would be honourably and impartially tilled by Mr. Clifford. In the absence of precedent to guide gentlemen in the exercise of duties to which few may have turned their attention, it would be an advantage to the house to have one in the chair who had had some experience in conducting, in another Province, business of a similar character to that which would occupy the house. And besides, he believed that the love which Mr. Clifford entertained for the institutions under wich theyhadmet would influence him in conducting the deliberations of that house, so as to reflect credit on the country to which he was so strongly attached. The motion was put from the Chair, and carried unanimously. Mr. WAKEFIELD said that, in the absence of a more ready means of communicating with the Officer Administering the Government so us to know His Excellency’s pleasure as to confirming the election which they had just made, lie believed it would be proper that a deputation consisting of the mover and seconder, and such other members as the house might think proper, should wait uu his Excellency to acquaint him of the choice they had made. From what had conic to his knowledge he thought the house would best consult the convenience of His Excellency by appointing the deputation, who would receive His Excellency’s decision at twelve o’clock on the next day, which would not look so conspicuously inconsiderate as if ;t were given immediately—and afterwards, at two o’clock, His Excellency’s opening Address would be delivered. Mr. LEE thought that, as the Speaker had been duly elected by the house, it became now the dutv of the proposer and seconder to conduct the Speaker to the Chair. Mr. CUTTEN thought that until confirmed by the Governor, as provided by the Act under whichthey were assembled, the election of the Speaker was not complete, and therefore it would be out of order to proceed as suggested by the hon. member who spoke last. Dr. MONRO thought it desirable that as little time as possible should lie lost before communicating with His Excellency, as there had occurred two vacancies iu the representation of Nelson, which required tube reported to the Officer Administering the Government, but must in the first instance lie reported to the Speaker after his being duly appointed. It was u desirable that the Writs should be issued in time to be sent down by the steamer, so us that Nelson might have its full representation in that house as soon as practicable. Mr. WAKEFIELD said he made the suggestion after a chance conversation with the Attorney-Ge-neral, who had stated that the course pointed out by him (Mr. Wakefield) was that which would best accord with the arrangements of His Excellency. He would regret that any delay should take place with respect to the Nelson elections, and might say that he understood the Writs were quite ready to he signed as soon as the house had reported the vacancies. Mr. LEE maintained that enough had been done to entitle the Speaker to take the chair, and quoted precedents taken from the proceedings of the Legislative Council of New South Wales and the House of Commons, in support of his views. Mr. M ‘ANDREW and Mr. FITZGERALD thought that according to the Constitution Act, Mr. Clifford could not be properly considered the Speaker of that house until his appointment had been approved by the Governor. iMr. \ ERRIMAN concurred in this view, and observed that there was no real difficulty, inasmuch as they had a Chairman. Mr. CLIFFORD said that whatever might he the order in which the house might carry out its decision he could no longer refrain from expressing his thanks for the very courteous manner in which he find been proposed, and for the unanimity with which the house had chosen him. He could assure the house that he felt deeply gratified in placing Iris services at disposal of the house. Mr. LEE reiterated the expression of his views, and declared that the Governor had no theoretical right to reject anything that had passed that house. .Major GREENWOOD said he was aware that His Excellency would be at hfs office at 12 o’clock to receive any deputation that might be appointed to wait on him. Mr. RE VANS could see no reason why Mr. Clifford should not take the Chair, for if he was not indeed Speaker, he was at least Speaker elect. He would therefore move that the present Chairman do leave the Chair, and that Mr. Clifford he conducted to the Chair. The motion was carried, whereupon Mr. CAREETON rose and said—Mr. Clifford. I have much pleasure in leaving the Chair, and in congratulating you, as well as this house, on your appointment. The Speaker then took the Chair. It was then proposed and agreed that Messrs. Hartley and Fitzgerald should he the Deputation to wait on His Excellency to inform him that the choice of the house had fallen on Mr. Clifford. Mr. FORSAITH said that if they desired to follow out the analogy of the House of Commons in their proceedings, the next step would be the appointment of a Sergeant-at-Anns. After some remarks by several members who considered the house not yet properly constituted, this subject was allowed to drop. On the motion of Mr. REVANS, seconded by Mr. FORSAITH. a vote of thanks to .Mr. Carlcton for his manner of conducting the business as preliminary Chairman was passed unanimously. The House then adjourned until one o’clock. The House rc-assemhlcd at one o’clock. MESS AG KS. The Clerk announced a Message from Ilis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, whereupon Major Cockraft, Ilis Excellency’s Private Secretary, was introduced, and presented to the Speaker Messages No. 1 and 2 as under;— Msssagk No 1. Government Mouse, Auckland, May 2(ilh, 1(554. The Officer administering the Government has had much pleasure in confirming the choice made hy the Mouse of Representatives of Charles Clifford, Esquire, to be the first Speaker of the said Mouse. U. M. WVS’VAM). After reading this Message, the SPEAKER said he could not refrain from again thanking the house for the high honour conferred on him. He was sure he might rely on receiving their full support in eouductiug the business of the house, as well as in maintaining its rights and privileges. Mkssaok No. 2. Government House, Auckland, May 2Gth, 1854. The Officer administering the Government proposes to address the Members of the Assembly on the occasion of the opening of the Session, at the Council Chamber on Saturday, the 27th instant, at 2 o’clock, p.m. R. H. Wynyaub. The SPEAKER announced that he had received notice of the resignation of Mr. Cautley, as member for the Waimea District. OPENING I'HAVEUS. Mr. M'ANDREW, having first suggested the obvious propriety of opening the proceedings of the house with prayer, put his views in the shape of a formal motion as follows: — That it is fit and proper that the first act of the Mouse of Representatives shall he a public acknowledgment of the Divine Being, and a public suppl cition for Mis favour on its future labours. ' Mr. MACKAY seconded the motion. Mr. LEE moved as an amendment;'that this house he not converted into a conventicle and that prayers he not offered up.--Mr. REVANS seconded the amendment, but it was afterwards withdrawn. Mr. WELD moved the following amendment, which wits seconded hv the Hon. ,J. IS. Wort ley : ” That this hmoc, whilst fully recognizing the importance of religious observances, will not commit itself to any act which may tend t > subvert that perfect religious equality that is recognised by our constitution, ami therefore cannot consistently open this house with public prayer. " Ibe House divided on the amendment, with the follow dig result : Ayes. Noes. Messrs. Wortlcy Messrs. Grav Weld Maekay Luillam E. G. Wakefield Gladhill Cut-ten Ring Rhodes Fitzgerald Taylor O’Neill Greenwood Crompton Forsailh Lee Hart Reruns Monro Hartley Picard (’arlcton < J’Hrien Merriman Kelliam Cargill E. J. Wakefield .Sewell M‘Andrew.

The amendment having thus been lost, the original motion was put and carried. Mr. FORSAITH then moved, That, in proceeding to carry out tha resolution of the Mouse, to open its proceedings by prayer, this Mouse distinctly asserts the privilege of a perfect pn iti al equality in all religious denominations, and that whoever may be called upon to perform this duty for the Mouse, it is not thereby intended to confer or admit any preeminence to that church or religious body to which he may belong. Mr. CI’TTEN seconded the motion. Mr. FiTZGKRALD moved, ami Mr. O’Neill seconded, that this House adjourn till two o’clock tomorrow. This amendment was lost, and the original motion carried. The SPEAKER then forwarded a request for the attendance of the Rev. J. F. Lloyd, Minister of Sr. Paul’s. Mr. Lloyd was shortly after introduced hy the Clerk, and proceeded to oiler tip prayers. The Speaker in the name of the House thanked Mr. Lloyd, and the reverend gentleman withdrew. Mr. MERRIMAN moved the following Resolution. which was seconded by Mr. E. J. Wakefield : That a Committee be appointed for the Session, to be called “the Standing Orders Committee.” That it he the duty of that Committee to prepare such Standing Orders as they may from time to time deem advisable to bv adopted by the Mouse. That the Committee do report on Friday next, the 2nd day of June, and from time to time afterwards as they may see occasion or be required by the Mouse. That the Committee be authorised to communicate witn any Committee appointed by the Legislative Council, with a view to the adoption of standing orders to regulate the mode in which this Mouse and the Legislative Council shall confer, correspond, and communicate with each other. That the Standing Orders Committee consist of—-The Speaker, Mr. Hartley, Mr. Sewell, Mr. Carlcton, Dr. Monro, Mr. E. G. Wakefield, Mr. McAndrew, Mr. King, and Mr. Merriman. Mr. FITZGERALD suggested the following amendment, which was adopted by Mr. Merriimtu:— That until the Report of said Committee be received, it shall be a Standing Order that Mr. Speaker do regulate the proceedings of the House, The motion as thus emended was carried. RESIGNATION OF SEATS. A letter was read by the Speaker from Mr. W. T. L. Travers, resigning his seat fur tlie town ot Nelson. Dr. MONRO, seconded hy Sir. Maekay, moved— T hat this Mouse address Mis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government stating the existence of two vacancies in consequence of the resignation of William Oldfield Cautley Esq., late Member for the Waimea districts, and of William Thomas Locke Travers, Esq., late member for the town of Nelson. That the Mouse of Representatives of New Zealand begs respectfully to address Mis Excellency the Officer administering the Government and to acquaint him «if the existence of two vacancies in the Mouse in consequence of the resignations of William Oldfield Cautley Esq., late Member for the Waimea districts, and William Thomas Lock Travers Esq., late Member for the town of Nelson. That the Honourable the Speaker he requested to present the address Just adopted by the Mouse to Mis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government. NOTICES OF .MOTION. Mr. E. G. WAKEFIELD to move op. Monday— That the honourable member for the Hay of Islands be Chairman of Committees of the whole Mouse.

Major GREENWOOD to move, as an amendment on the foregoing—

That F. W. Merriman Esq., member for the suburbs of Auckland, be appointed Chairman of Committees. Mr. MERRIMAN to move, on Monday— For certain Returns from the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Auckland. Mr. LEE to move, on Monday— That this Mouse stands pledged to support every constitutional means calculated to augment the powers of Provincial Councils, and do enunciate the principle of non-interference with local legislature. Mr. O’NEILL to move, on Wednesday— That an address be ’ presented to Mis Excellency the Officer Administering the Government praying that as scon as practicable there be laid on this table a Hill embodying the principles of certain Resolutions, relating to the waste lands, and to the harmonious working of the new Consiitution, as agreed to by the Provincial Council of Auckland on the 2nd February last and forwarded through Mis Honour the Superintendent to the General Government. And at the same time move for a copy of the Resolutions in question. -Mr. FORSAITH to move, on Monday— For a copy of the correspondence between the Colonial Government and Her Majesty’s Secretary of State relative to the disallowance of the Marriage Amendment Ordinance. Mr, HART to move, on Monday— For a Return of the despatch of the Secretary of State for the colonies which authorised the governor of New Zealand to make regulations for the sale of land in the colony. Mr. MACKAY to move, on Saturday—• That a committee be appointed to see to the completion of the present building and what improvements may be necessary for the comfort of the members. Mr. FITZGERALD to move, on Wednesday— To ask the Colonial Secretary or other (be recognise 1 organ of the Government in this Mouse, whether it be the intention of the Government to introduce any bill into this Mouse for the purpose of constituting some person to be the lorein tennis of the Superintendent of a Province in the event of his death or absence from his Province. Mr. PICARD to move, on Saturday— For a Return of all monies received as Hen 1 s of the Lands comprised in the Native Reserves in the Province of Nelson, by the persons managing such lands from the month of January, 1(552, till the present date, and of the expenditure of such monies, Mr. FITZGERALD to move, on Wednesday— For copies of the correspondence between the Colonial Secretary and the Provincial Government of Wellington on the subject of the Superintendent’s Absence Act: and between the Colonial Secretary and the Provincial Government of Canterbury on the subject of the Empowering Ordinance. Mr. HART to move, on Wednesday— For a Return of the names of persons who have since the Ist of June, 1850, been appointed to offices in the department of the Customs of New Zealand, distinguishing the offices to which they have been appointed, the respective amounts of the present salaries of such officers, the amount of such salaries prior to the appointments of the present holders, and the periods of previous service of such officers in the same department of the public service. Also, a Return of the names of persons who have received appointments in the department of the Post Office within the period of four years last past having salaries exceeding X‘2oo per annum, and the respective precise periods of service of such officers in the same department of the public service. Mr. CROMPTON to move, on Saturday— « For a return of the value of all goods imported into New Plymouth from the other provinces, on which duties have been paid, and the estimated amount of such duties during the past year. Mr. REVANS to move, on Saturday— That Mr. Coates be elected Clerk to the Mouse of Representatives for New Zealand. Mr. PICARD to move, on Saturday— For a Return of the names of all persons who have purchased land in the Province of Nelson since the date of the land proclamation of Mis Excellency Sir George Grey : the number of acres purchased by each such person, and the amounts paid .for the same, and whether such payment was made in land or scrip. Also, of all monies paid as deposits for the purchases of land in the said Province which .are not yet completed. Also, of the names of all persons holding depasturing licenses in the said Province, the number of stock depastured under each such license, ami the amount paid for depasturing the same. The House then adjourned until two o'clock this da v.