The Daily News. SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1920. MEMBERS' STEAMER PASSES.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1920. MEMBERS' STEAMER PASSES.

The granting of free passes by the Union Company to members of Parliament travelling on the Wellington-Lyttelton steamers has produced a distinct shock to all members of the community who desire to see politics kept absolutely free from those pernicious features which made American political methods a byword among the nations., A protest has been sent by the Canterbury Chamber <>i Commerce to the Premier, and as this body largely represents the constituencies served by members of Parliament who have received these passes, the force of the protest is far more weighty than would otherwise have been the case. Why should the Union Company grant these passes? They are a trading organisation the business of which is to make profits for the shareholders, and not to act as eleemosynary benefactors to members of the Dominion legislature. Whether the concession is by way of tribute, subvention, dole or any other form of gift need not be considered. It is the great principle of right that is at stake. No doubt the Union Company can well Afford to

ease the positions of the Southern legislators in this way. That, however, does not justify members either in seeking for or accepting this act of grace, which is opposed to the high code of honor expected in politicians of the British Empire. The public are not concerned with the motives that induced the Union | Company to make this gift. There is : « j question that if the State, owned the j ferry service members would be entitled I to free passes on the steamers as on the ■ railways- Under present circumstances either members should pay their steamer fares the same as the public, or Parliament should make a grant to cover these expenses out of the Consolidated Fund, If the Premier (as reported) asked for the concession—no matter what was his motive —he committed a grave error that I should be,rectified without delay.