BILL AMENDED

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 2, 24 March 1927, Page 1

BILL AMENDED

FAMILY-ENDOWMENT PLAN i CABINET’S DECISION SYDNEY, Wednesday. The Family-Endowment Bill was read a second time in the Legislative Council- yesterday. In the committee stage Mr. J. Ashton moved an amendment which would have the effect of excluding most of the workers who are paid more than the basic wage. This amendment was carried by 29 votes to 24. Mr. A. C. Willis thereupon announced that the Government did not intend to proceed with the measure, as the amendment had practically killed the Bill. The absence of many of the Labour members from the sitting has provoked much bitter comment by their colleagues. A meeting of Cabinet was held today to discuss the position which has arisen in connection with the Bill, it was decided to allow it to proceed in the Upper House. This decision came as a surprise after Mr. Willis’s announcement in the Council last night that it was not intended to proceed with the Bill. When the Bill returns to the Assembly the Government will decide whether the Council’s amendments are acceptable or not. Before Cabinet reached its decision a Trades Hall deputation had waited on the Prime Minister, Mr. J. T. Lang, and demanded that a basic wage be declared at once, and mentioned that £5 6s was the sum they expected. Mr. Lang promised to submit their demand to Cabinet.—A. and N.Z.