THAT CONCESSION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14143, 15 June 1920, Page 4

THAT CONCESSION.

The placing of members of Parliament under an obligation to a shipping company through the granting of tree, steamer passages to members is a matter which is causing considerable discussion throughout New Zealand at the present time. The ‘■'innovation.’’ is altogether on wrong lines. We quite agree that members of Parliament, in the pursuit of their public duties, should be given free passages on steamers as they are on the railways. But it should be the Government which should accept all responsibility by paying the steamer fares of members. Members of Parliament should not be. placed in the position of having to accept the hospitality of a shipping company, Supposing that a matter cropped up in Parliament which involved, the general public, and the shipping company, where would the members stand? Would they be on the side of the general public, or would they lie prepared to sacrifice the interests of the Dominion for those of the. shipping company? The members themselves should take such steps as would result in the concession being withdrawn and Hie Government should thereupon shoulder the responsibility itself.