IN THE BALANCE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 70, 19 September 1930, Page 10

IN THE BALANCE

UNEMPLOYMENT BILL

FATE IN COUNCIL

DEFEAT POSSIBLE

The prolonged and at times rather stormy passage which the ■Unemployment Bill had through tho House of .Representatives is likely to be repeated in the Legislative Council, and there is^ a feeling in the lobbies that the out- j come may not be a happy one from the Government's point of view. At preuoit there appears to be a decided possibility that" the Bill will not pass its second reading. As the Bill is a money one, the Legislative Council has no power to amend it but there is nothing to prevent tho Council from showing its disapproval nf the measure by throwing it out. Should that occur tho Bill will not be heard of again this session at least. It is well known that the principle of paying sustenance is strongly opiosed by certain members of tho Council and it is probable that the storra centre on this, feature 01 the Bill. .When the Bill was received from the House of [Representatives it was immediately referred to .the Labour Bills Committee of the Council,- and it was not reported baok to the Council until yesterday. When the report was presented, the first indication of deterjnined opposition was given. The Act-ins-Leader of the Council (the Hon. B< ktsters) asked the Council to agree to take the second reading stage at that Bitting, and in order to do that it was necessary to secure the unanimous eonseut of the Council. This was not sforthcoming, at least one objection being raised. Mr. Masters then had no option but to defer the second reading stage until Tuesday, as the Council is not sitting, to-day. Tuesday's.debate is pregnant with possibilities, and the final division on the second reading will be awaited with close interest. Possibly the debate will extend into Wednesday, and it certainly appears that the. Council is in for some* longer sittings than have ■been necessary up to the present. It is freely stated in the 'obbies that the opponents to the Bill an rely on the votes of eighteen members of the Council, and it is suggested that there are others who may be induced to record their votes against the measure. The present voting strength of the Council is about 38, so that whatever happens it is probable the division will be a remarkably close one. '■ Should the second reading happen to pass, it is likely that the Committee stages will also be prolonged, as the opponents of the Bill are said to be determined to defeat it if at all possible.