SOLDIERS ON THE TRAMS

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 70, 23 March 1920, Page 3

SOLDIERS ON THE TRAMS

FREE PASSES REFUSED IN AUCKLAND.

The policy of not issuing free passes on the trams is to be adhered to by the Auckland City Council. Arising out of a request from tha Returned Soldiers' Association that the matter of passes for disabled soldiers should again be considered (reports the Herald), the Public Services Committee of the council recommended that the previous decision in the negative be reaffirmed. Tram tickets were still being tissued to hospital out-patients by the Patriotic Association. Since the inception of the tramways'* in Auckland the issue of free passes had consistently been declined, and the committee expressed the opinion that the fact that the system was now municipally owned did not warrant a departure from that policy. Only by strictly business management could financial stability be maintained. It would be extremely difficult for the council to discriminate between applicants tar free passes, which were no more warranted than concessions in other services under the council's control.

In conclusion, the committee stated that the council from time to time contributed substantially, as far as it legally might, to many organisations and interests, and, in the opinion of the committee, this was the proper means whereby the council should extend support to individuals or institutions. As the needs of soldiers were met in other ways, no further claim should be urged in that respect. A* protest on behalf of limbless solcliurs was made by Mr. A. Hall Skelton. He said 'it was not much these men asked, and the council should grant it. Pastes could easily be arranged for. He did not think the council was "playing t!sa game* in rejecting the request of the »nen wno had fought and suffered for their country. The recommendation of the comiaiilca was adooted. ,