Free Passes for Volunteers.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2109, 9 June 1898, Page 2

Free Passes for Volunteers.

The following from a Southern Exchange on the above question may in a degree help to show the reliance that can be place in the promises of the authorities. In spite of a reduction in the estimates and the direct wishes of many M.H.R.’s, we all know the way in which the passes have been refused ‘ I have received numerous letters on; the action of the Government in refusing passes to the Lyttleton volunteers to attend the recent church parade in Christ church.;; A correspondent also sends me extract from ‘ Hansard’ ©f December 21st on the subject, which more forcibly than ever proves the action of the Defence Minister to be directly adverse to the Wishes of MJJL.R’s, who evidently desired that tlri£rai]\vay pass question should be dealt" with in a liberal spirit. The extract reads : 4 Mr Seddon .moved to commit the estimates for the purpose of giving the Committee an opportunity pt reconsidering the item, ‘Defence 13": partment, Permanent Militia, aug ' Volunteers, £950.’ Mr Roliosfem— Will you do what was indicated ? Mr Seddon—The Government were prepared to give a more liberal allowance of passes. With due safeguards this could be done with benefit to the volunteers. Mr G. Hutchison asked if it ,was understood that the ; vote in Committee would be given effect to by a more liberal allowance being made to volunteers in the matter of railway passes. Mr Seddon—lt is all right. Mr Rolleston—We have -an assurance from the Premier to that effect ? Mr Seddon—l have said so. Motion agreed to. /, / c