item details
Name'Free Pass' for travel on New Zealand Railways by a Member of the Legislative Council
ProductionUnknown; silversmith; New Zealand
Classificationmedallions, passes
Materialsgold
DimensionsOverall: 18mm (width), 3mm (height), 32mm (length)
Registration NumberGH010994
Credit lineGift of Tranz Rail Holdings Ltd, 2000
Overview
For many years from the 1870s, Members of Parliament had the privilege of free travel on New Zealand Railways. They were given 'passes' made of gold or silver, in the form of distinctively New Zealand motifs such as tiki, patu or kiwi. These passes were attached to the Members' fob chains so they could be easily shown to Railway officials.
This pass was given to the Hon. John Thomas Peacock (1827-1905), a Member of the Legislative Council from 1873 until his death.