time this month.

The latest hold-up followed a proposed amendment to the legislation by Independent Senator Alf Oughton.

It was agreed he should seek legal advice on the wording of his amendment.

Government senators had protested the wording was "ambiguous'' and "unclear''.

The proposed amendment would have added this key clause to the legislation: "The result of the referendum shall be determined by a vote of the majority of persons entitled to vote in the referendum.'' Sen. Oughton said he was afraid of a small turn-out at a referendum.

And he wanted to ensure any move towards -- or against -- Independence reflected the wishes of more than 50 percent of people on the electoral roll.

Senators unanimously agreed to put off discussion of the amendment and the Act until tomorrow.

Former Cabinet Minister Sen. Mike Winfield accepted Sen. Oughton meant well.

But the amendment could be interpreted different ways.

Sen. Winfield also stressed Government wanted a referendum to be decided by a "simple majority''.

That was the democratic way -- and Government could not force people to vote.

Government Senate leader the Hon. Gerald Simons said people who did not vote were also expressing an opinion.

Afterwards Sen. Oughton said: "I will seek legal advice, and probably get the words of the amendment changed.'' He added, jokingly: "I will get some lawyer to sprinkle holy water on it.'' Earlier, the Senate removed another block on the Independence legislation -- also placed by Sen. Oughton.

Last month senators adjourned debate on the Act until the House of Assembly had first discussed a Progressive Labour Party motion aimed at killing a Commission of Inquiry.

Independent and Opposition senators agreed with a Sen. Oughton proposal to put the legislation on hold.

But PLP leader Mr. Frederick Wade refused on Friday to bring forward his Opposition motion.

And yesterday Independent and Government Senators voted together to to rescind Sen. Oughton's proposal and press ahead with debate.