item details
NameMedallion - 'Free Pass' for travel on New Zealand Railways by a Member of the House of Representatives
ProductionUnknown; silversmith; late 19th - early 20th centuries; New Zealand
Classificationmedallions, passes
Materialsgold, enamel
DimensionsOverall: 25mm (width), 2mm (height), 399mm (length)
Registration NumberGH010998
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, often 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.