THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

NZ Truth, Issue 1103, 20 January 1927, Page 4

THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

PASSPORT SYSTEM NEEDS REVISION

Sir, — The passport system functioning m time of peace is a monstrous negation of,tlie freedom boasted of under our flag. _ < i What are the reasons for prohibiting free movements of.citizens within an allegedly free Empire? It is impossible to travel any considerable distance except on a sort of ticket-of-leave. ... Photographs, have to be taken, forms to be filled m, fees to be paid. An ' intending traveller is interviewed by the police; he is also inquired about by the police.' . y „_.._. The passport department reverses the procedure of our Courts; it assumes the intending traveller is not a fit and proper person to receive a passport. The onus of proof is placed on the applicant. He must produce witnesses who will swear that- he Ts a fit and proper person to receive a passport. '" . . . . ...-'-',-.. All this is necessary to-day before a free citizen of a free Empire is permitted to buy a steamship ticket to, say, Vancouver or Capetown. This ticket-of-leave system should be relegated , to where it belongs. Yours faithfully, J. Rose. Auckjfand. / ' 9