Opinion of the Justices

To His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Council:

The undersigned Justices of the Supreme Court make the follow- ' ing answer to the inquiry contained in your resolution filed February 17, 1955.

From 1911, when a workmen’s compensation act was first adopted in this state (Laws 1911, c. 163) until 1929, no benefits of the act were available to state employees. By Laws 1929, c. 140, limited benefits were first provided by means of an award which might be made by the Governor and Council. These benefits were broadened by Laws 1933, c. 44, amending the 1929 statute. This 1933 provision,…