SCHEME REJECTED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 3, 15 October 1940, Page 7

SCHEME REJECTED.

WOMEN AS CONDUCTORS. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, October 14. A suggestion from the Women’s War Service Auxiliary that a group of women should be trained to act temporarily as tram conductors in the event of an emergency was rejected by the Auckland Transport Board at- a meeting to-day. A letter from the organisation stated that the scheme had been adopted in Great Britain during the last war. Mr J. Sayegh said lie thought the Union would throw cold water on the scheme and the Board would get into grips' with the Union over the question. Mrs Dreaver said the matter would have to be discussed with the Union. She moved that the letter he referred to the Works Committee for a report.

Captain Judson, V.C., said he thought the idea was worth while. Mr J. A. C. Allum said the letter should be received and the Board should express appreciation of the offer, but it should be explained that the time was not appropriate to take action.

“Surely the facts are obvious,” said Mr R. Armstrong. The nation did not use women until there was a shortage of men and they had not yet got to that position. One saw women in uniform everywhere, and there was nothing for them to do. They had forced themselves on the (Government in order to get into uniform.

Mrs Dreaver’s motion was lost

A motion by Mr Allum that the Board should express its appreciation, but inform the organisation there was .little difficulty anticipated in maintaining the staff, was carried.