Discriminate Against Furlough Travellers

Northern Advocate, 2 October 1943, Page 4

Discriminate Against Furlough Travellers

AUCKLAND. This Day. “All care but no responsibility” might, well be inscribed on the leave passes granted men of the forces who travel on the railways of the Dominion. Among the thousands‘who have used them probably not one in 10,000 has taken the trouble to read what is printed on the document that allows him to travel where he likes on the country’s rail system for his 23 days' freedom from army life. One man. however, in an idle moment, read on the back of his pass: “This free pass is granted by the railway on condition that it is to be used only by the persons in whose favour it is issued, and that the use of it shall be taken as evidence of an agreement with the Minister that the latter is relieved from all pecuniary or other responsibility to the holders for personal injury, for delay, or loss, or damage to property, however caused, that may be sustained by such persons using 14 The soldier referred the matter to the Auckland R.S.A., and at the last meeting of the executive Mr. A. P. Postlewaite, president, said he considered it was disgraceful that the Government should wish to discriminate against servicemen in such a way. It meant that if a soldier happened to be involved in a railway accident when he was on leave, and suffered severe injury or death, he or his dependents would have no claim on the railways, but a civilian in similar circumstances would be covered up to probably £2OCO. Mr. Sinclair Reid said there was a responsibility on the army in certain circumstances in regard to soldiers travelling, and that might possibly cover leave. Mr. Postlewaite stated that a soldier could use his pass within 12 months after his discharge from the army, and the army authorities could not possibly be held responsible then. Mr. Hartley Wilson, speaking for the Second N.Z.E.F., said many of the men were greatly concerned about the matter. It was not‘right that the country should accept responsibility for a civilian, and deny it to men who had been through war. The executive considered the matter one of urgency and vital importance, and decided to refer it to Dominion headquarters for immediate clarification and necessary action.