LOSS OF EXPECTATION OF LIFE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 143, 14 March 1938, Page 8

LOSS OF EXPECTATION OF LIFE

« Clause Dropped From Bill PAYMENT OF DAMAGES TO DECEASED ESTATES Anticipations that the Statutes Amendment Bill, now before Parliament, would contain a clause removing the legislative provision for the payment of damages to the estates of deceased persons for the loss of expectation of life have not been realised. It can be stated that the necessary clause was drafted for inclusion in the Bill, but it is understood that there was a measure of difference on the question at a caucus of the Government party last week and that the amendment to the law was consequently postponed. The necessity for removing the “expectation of life” clause was raised during the debate on the Bill in the House of Representatives on Saturday by Mr. W. P. Endean (Opposition, Parnell), who said he was disappointed that the Attorney-General, Hon. H. G. R. Mason, had not taken the opportunity to remove this weakness in the law. He was proceeding to quote comments of the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) concerning the existing law when he was stopped by x the Speaker, Hon. W. E. Barnard, who said that only matters actually included in the Bill could be discussed. “This bill has the effect of amending various statutes,” said Mr. Endean, “and I merely wished to point out one amendment to the law which is highly necessary. Members of the legal profession are convinced that the alteration should be nra.de. However, I will not carry the matter any further.” It is understood that the AttorneyGeneral himself is anxious to have the “expectation of life clause” removed, but in all probability the matter will now have to stand over until next session of Parliament.