Work of the First Session.--Four Land Acts Passed.--Summary of Land "Code."--Pastoral Leases.--Upset Price of Land L1 per acre.--Agricultural Reserves.--Land Orders to Immigrants. --Cotton Bonus.--Lands for Mining Purposes.--Renewal of Existing Leases.--Governor's Laudation of "Code."--Praises Parliament.--Abolition of State Aid to Religion.--Primary and Secondary Education.--Wool Liens.--First Estimates and Appropriation Act. The first session closed on the 18th of September, having extended over nearly four months. On the 28th of August, Sir Charles Nicholson having determined to retire and go to England, Captain O'Connell was appointed President of the Legislative Council by the Governor's Commission. Mr. John James Galloway at the same time accepted the appointment of Minister without portfolio, and held the leadership of the Council for the remainder of the session. Without other change in the personnel of the Cabinet the session was brought to a close with the position of the Government considerably improved. They had not carried all the measures promised in the Opening Speech, but the new Acts passed numbered sixteen, some of them important, and all necessary. Seeing that both Houses were new to their work, the result went to prove that the confidence of the Imperial Government in the self-governing competence of the colonists had not been misplaced. Even the "Moreton Bay Courier," then hostile to the Government, admitted that much good work had been done, the chief exception taken being to the Act authorising the granting of a five years' additional term for existing pastoral leases. The Act reserved power of resumption during the currency of the lease, but the Opposition contended that the power would never be exercised.