FREE PASSES TO MEMBERS.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 18, 20 June 1874, Page 3

FREE PASSES TO MEMBERS.

[From the Pbbss.] The other resolution agreed to by the Provincial Council on Thursday evening was " that free passes on the " Canterbury railways should be " granted to members of the Provincial " Council." It was moved by that apostle of economy, Mr Knight, and passed without opposition, though in a silence which we hope may be taken aa evidence of some feeling of shame. Henceforth every member of the Council will be at liberty to travel when and where he will, up and down any railway in Canterbury, without payment. He may rim into Lyttelton on business, or come into Christchurch on market days, or live at Opawa and go to and fro twice a day to his office and his dinner; and all for nothing. A highly convenient arrangement. But why should members of the Provincial Council enjoy these privileges? "Why should they be permitted to use the railways gratis, and to be carried about the country on their private business or pleasure at the public expense? Because, says Mr Knight, it is highly advisable that they should be encouraged to observe the progress of public works. And because, adds Mr Fisher, who seconded the motion, the trains must run, and they may just as well carry us members as not. Pretty reasons, truly! As for the second, it applies equally well to every person in Canterbury. Everyone is as much entitled as a Provincial Councillor to step on to the platform, when a train is about to start, and claim a' seat on the ground that as the train must go anyhow, it may as well carry him. And as for the first, we cry out with Mr Burchell, " fudge." It is a palpable piece of humbug. Even if a member of the Council had occasion, once or twice in the twelvemonth, to enquire how some work was progressing, is that any reason why he should have a free pass for his journeys on his own affairs all the year round? We suppose members will next want to send gratis telegrams, on the ground that it would encourage them to communicate with each other on public business ; or to have the right of franking their correspondence, because as the post must go, it may as well take their letter.