LAW OF MARRIAGE

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 83, 4 October 1924, Page 7

LAW OF MARRIAGE

NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERN MENT IN QUANDARY

SUGGESTED OUTCOME,

(UNITED TRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPIRIOHT.)

I. (Received 4th October, 9 a.m.)

SYDNEY, This Day.

The Premier and other Ministers decline to discuss the position created by the Legislative Council in throwing out the Marriage Amendment Bill, but apparently they are not unduly troubled over the result, consideration of the-question being left over till the next regular meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Various suggestions are being mooted to overcome the difficulty, one, which is understood to be receiving considerable support, being the introduction ot another Bill making a civil ceremony before a State official the only form of marriage recognised by law. Any religious ceremony the contracting parties might desire could bo performed later. Concerning the rejection of tho Bill, it is stated that the Premier aiid the majority of Ministers will oppose _ any move to ' hold an election this year on the issue. One Minister thought that ultimately - Cabinet would probably decide to make five or six appointments to the Legislative Council, and further that early next year a short session would be held, when the Bill would 'be re-introduced with the object of having it passed in all stages by both Houses, then if the Council again rejected it, an appeal to the electors would be immediately made.