FREE PASSES ON THE RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 19, 22 June 1874, Page 3

FREE PASSES ON THE RAILWAY.

The following document evidently intended for presentation ti the Provincial Council was found in close proximity to our office. The arguments adduced arc so cogent and weighty, that we give the promoters the b nefit of publication in the hope that it will conduce to the prayer of their petition b ungreceived favorably by the members of the Council:—

To the Honorable the Provincial Council of Canterbury in session assembled. The humble petition of the undersigned members of the Civil Service, in the employment of the Provi icirl Government, humbly sheweth—

That your petitioners arc engaged in the arduous duties of the'r respective offices for a lengthened period dui ng each day, rendering change of scene and air desirable. That you - petitioners observe with satisfaction that your Honorable House hr s, v. ith commendable liberality, voted free pasees on the railway to the members of the Council, and they confidently appeal 1 the generosity of the House for a similar piivilegc on the?? behalf, and that of their families, for reasons which are hereafter adduced.

Your petitioners would desire to bring under the notice of your Honorable House that considerable benefit would accrue not only to the public service, but aLo lo the province at large, by facilities being aifordH to themsclve,* and the juvenile members f their families to inspect the various gigantic public works now in course of construction between Lyttelton and Christeburch, and between Cliristchuich and Ashburton. The advantage to the youthful mind of a close study of the various strata in the tunnel needs no comment from us.

Your petitioners would further desire to point out that the speedy completion of the railway to the Ashburton will open up an interesting field for the study of the fauna and Hum of that important district, and that the solution of the vexed question of the avalanches periodically observable there will form an agreeable relaxation to your petitioners from the cares of official life.

Your petitioners observe with regret that a portion of the press of this province, under pretence of anxiety f r the public interests has pr surned to question the right—granted amongst the privileges of Magna Charta —of the members of the numbers of the Counci l to look after themselves, but they trust your Honorable Council will treat Ibc remarks with the contempt they deserve, and <vi;l not allow that to weigh wbh you in granting the trilling concession —in the interest of the public service—which your petitioners desire. In conclusion your petitioners would desire to bring before your Honorable House the convenience which would ensue to a large number of officials, in being able to reside out of the ill-draircd and unhealthy city of Christchurch, and being able with their famines to travel to and from their suburban residences at any time, r.t tire public expense.

Your peiiti..neis therefore pi ay lh.it yc ct Honorable House would be pleased t > grant them perpetual free passes ever the Canterbury Railways for then:selves and members of the : v familie —And our petitioners 3in duty bound will ever pray, fie., See,