SAILORS AND SPECIAL PASSES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18411, 18 May 1920, Page 6

SAILORS AND SPECIAL PASSES.

10 TiiK EIUTOK. Sir,—Kindly allow me a few lines in your valuable paper to protest against a gross injustice which was meted out to a coupio ot sailors from off tho H.M.S. ltonown this afternoon. I read in your paper that 1000 passes were being printed for the free distribution among the sailors of the Renown, and were to be available over all lines. The crowded 12.30 car with trailer was proceeding ro the racecourse at Iticcarton, when about half way out it was hoarded by one of the Tramway Board's inspectors. On being informed by the conductor that two sailors had their passes and the conductor had examined and punched same, the inspector insisted that tlio conductor must collect their fares, 3s 3d each. This drew a storm of indignation from other passengers .and tlio sailors had no alternative but to find tho fare (by the way, tho men were almost “broke” and could not rake up tho few bob) or get off and walk. However, a sympathetic lady kindly offered and did pay the sum demanded and the sailors wore allowed to proceed, the lady remarking that “ tho boys were New Zealand’s guests.” Now, Sir, surely I think tho least one. could expect is, that the Tramway Board will give us an explanation -Thanking you in anticipation, I am, etc., A DISGUSTED SPORT. Christchurch, May 15. (Mr F. Thompson, General Manager of the Tramways, stated yesterday that lie had received a report on the incident, and that the money would bo refunded to the men last night. lieexplained that the car was a special one to the racecourse, and that the officer concerned had failed to tako note of instructions that passes issued to men of the Renown must bo accepted on the special cars as well as on ordinary cars. The general rule was that ordinary passes were not available on special cars to the course.—ltd. “L.T.”) _____