WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2494, 17 October 1922, Page 4

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

BILL BEFORE PARLIAMENT

WELLINGTON, Oct. 13.

In committee on the Workers C ompensation Bill in the House to-nijrhr on clause four Mr Parry moved an amendment that a deceased worker’s dependants should receive compensation equal to the amount, of the average weekly earnings for hvo vears. . . . ' Mr Wilford said the basis ot compensation should be a weekly allowance tor widows and dependants, and not lump sum payments. The Minister said the proposal would mean the addition of -20 per cent, to the premiums. The Government could not ask for this from the employers in the present condition of business and industry. I lie Bill as it stood made the best provision ot any compensation system in.-the world. On division the amendment was (ideated by 35 to 24. , 'in clause five Mr Wilford moved to delete from sub-clause 10 the words “but not exceeding £l.” which would mean that an injured person would in addition to the compensation payable be entitled to reasonable expenses incurred in respect ol medical or surgical attendance'. The Minister said he was unable to accept the amendment because in 1920 the perrtmtnge was increased front 50 to 55. tlie intention being at that time that the additional five per cent, was to assist an injured person to meet his medical expenses. In this Bill the. percentage was again being increased to 58. which still further assisted an injured person. The amendment left, the amount for medical services too open. It might amount to £2O and that would become a serious mattor. The amendment, was defeated on the voices, and the remaining clauses were passed as amended by the Labour Bills Committee. , In the second schedule Mr Barry moved an amendment to include compensation for the total loss of a big toe. lie said that timber workers were specially liable to thus class of accident. The Minister said he recognised the merits of the case and if it could he done without undue expense lie would have the amendment inserted in the I .cgi-lat ive ( ouncil. On this understanding Mr Barry agiceil to withdraw his amendment. The Bill wa; then reported, read the third time, and passed.