WHO IS HE?

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 102, 2 May 1929, Page 6

WHO IS HE?

The New Zealanders' Association should be called upon to state definitely what is meant exactly and precisely'by "New Zealander." In asking the Transport Board to "give preference to" New Zealanders the New Zealand Association has left us to assume that in selecting candidates for employment first choice should fall to Maoris, then to men born in the borough, next to men born in this province, then to men born in this country, the final- claimants to consideration being immigrant Britons and aliens. Kissing is said to go by favour, but the tramway service (to which the New Zealand Association referred) demands more than successful kissing abilities, and the Transport Board members have done well to indicate the board's intention to accept efficient candidates for the service irrespective of birth and family history. At the meeting of the board when this affair was discussed mention was made of complaints received of discourtesy on the part of tramway officials. After five years of daily tram travelling I can remember only two occasions on which an official was objectionably rude in speech, and on both occasions the man was obviously out of health. The English custom of taking troubles cheerily should make Englishmen extremely suitable "for the very irksome work of the tramway service. I have heard a New Zealander (New Zealand born) remark to a new mate who had shown unselfish politeness, "You're a 'Homie,' ain't you?" TRAMMER.