ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

A.—No. 1

15

authenticated copies and a Synopsis of Acts of the General Assembly of New Zealand, from No. 30 to 62 inclusive, which were passed in the last Session of the New Zealand Legislature. I have, &c, His Grace the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. G. GREY.

Enclosure in No. 14. Memorandum by Mr. Staffoed. ■Wellington, 15th November, 1867. Ministers submit for transmission to the Eight Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, authenticated copies, and a Synopsis, of certain Acts passed in the last Session of the New Zealand Legislature, being Numbers 30 to 62 inclusive. For His Excellency the Governor. E. ~W". Staitoed. No. 30. The Medical Practitioners Act. —Several of the Provincial Councils having passed Acts or Ordinances relating to the qualifications of persons who should be recognized as entitled to act as Medical Practitioners, this Act repeals all such Acts and Ordinances, as well as an Ordinance of the Lieutenant-Governor and Legislative Council of New Munster, enables the Governor to appoint a Board for the examination of diplomas and documents evidencing status of applicants, and regulates the admission of persons to practice as medical practitioners, and to some extent controls their practice. No. 81. The Marriage Act Amendment Act.- —Several Presbyterian Congregations having united in an association termed " The Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland," this Act was passed to extend to the Ministers of this body the powers given to Ministers of different denominations by "The Marriage Act, 1854," and " The Marriage Act Amendment Act, 1858." No. 32. The Marine Act, substantially re-enacts the provisions of "The Marine Act, 1866," which, with a saving, it repeals, with such alterations and improvements as experience has shown to be desirable. It extends the powers of the Governor to make regulations, removes an inconvenient indefiniteness in the boundary between the powers of the Governor and those of the Superintendents of Provinces, and introduces provisions of the Imperial Shipping Act, for prohibiting and removal of misleading lights. No. 33. The Steam Navigation Act Amendment Act. —Attention having been called by the Despatch of to certain amendments required in "The Steam Navigation Act, 1866," these, and certain other amendments are effected by this Act, which also gives to the Postmaster-General authority to delegate the powers conferred on him by the original Act and this Act. No. 34. The Salmon and Trout Act. —Steps having been taken towards importing the ova and establishing the culture of Salmon and Trout in the Colony, this Act enables the Governor to make regulations for their protection, and to impose penalties for the broach of them, and authorizes the apprehension of offenders. No. 35. The Protection of Animals Act, repeals previous Acts, for the protection of animals and facilitates the operations of Acclimatization Societies, consolidates the previous Acts, and makes further provisions for the protection of birds and animals with a view to the increase of them. No. 36. The New Zealand Institute Act. —The progress of the Colony and the existence of Museums in different parts seem to invite co-operation in scientific pursuits, this Act besides providing for the appointment of a person to manage the Geological Survey of the Colony, enables the formation of a Board of Governors and of associations to be incorporated with them in an institution to bo called the New Zealand Institution. No. 37. The Armed Constabulary Act, meets a necessity which has arisen for a moveable Constabulary Force, in the place of the Defence Force, authorized to be established by " The Colonial Defence Force Acts of 1862 and 1863," which it repeals. It enables the enrolment of men, the appointment of Commandant, Inspector, and Sub-Inspector, with relative rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, Major, and Captain, and makes general provisions for the discipline of the Force. No. 38. The Volunteer Act Amendment Act, removes some difficulties as to the property of Volunteer Corps, and provides for the disposition of the property of disbanded Corps. No. 39. The Indemnity Act, has been passed to indemnify persons acting in the suppression of the Rebellion, and in the framing of it regard has been had to the objections raised by a Despatch from the Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies to an Act formerly passed for this purpose. No. 40. The Maori Real Estate Management Act. —Opportunities occasionally arise when the property of Natives, who are minors, or under disability, requires action to preserve it from injury, or to render it beneficial to the owners ; and this Act enables the Governor in Council to appoint Trustees of any such land, and direct which of the trusts defined by the Act shall be applicable thereto, and which of the powers defined by the Act shall vest in such Trustees. No. 41. The Native Schools Act, repeals an Ordinance of the Governor and Legislative Council, and " The Native Schools Act, 1858." Appropriates for seven years from the Ist July, 1867, the annual sum of £4,000, to be applied in contributing to the education of children of the aboriginal Native race, and of half-castes, being orphans or children of destitute persons. It continues to render applicable to special grants for school buildings, £3,219 Os. 3d., appropriated under "The Native Schools Act, 1858," and makes more complete provision for the establishment of Educational Districts, and. formation of Native schools.