A proposed amendment to the Municipalities Reform Act which would have set back its second reading by six months, was shot down in the House of Assembly today.

During a debate on the Act, Mr. Swan said a delay would allow the Government to listen to the concerns of the public.

Premier Ewart Brown tore up the proposal, eliciting laughter from those on his side of the floor.

The amendment was rejected by a vote of 11 to 13. Voting was along party lines, with UBP and BDA members in favour of the amendment and Government MPs voting against. Independent MP Darius Tucker chose to abstain.

Debate on the Act, which would remove the ability of the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George to charge wharfage, force the Corporations to pay land tax and change who can vote in municipal elections, continued after the failed motion.

For the full story, read tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.