MUST STAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 172, 23 July 1929, Page 8

MUST STAND.

CHILDREN IN TRAMS.

IF USING CONCESSIONS.

TRANSPORT BOARD DIVIDED.

CHAIRMAN'S CASTING VOTE

After a lively discussion, the Auckland Transport Board decided to-day, on the casting vote of the chairman, that a condition of the issue of school children's concession cards shall be that the holders shall not retain their seats when all seats are occupied and adults are standing.. The chairman, Mr. J. A. C. Alluin, informed the board that following the decision that in future school children's concession tickets should be sold through the various schools he had acceded to a request for a conference with educationists. After discussion it was agreed that such cards should be available only on the production of certificates signed by headmasters or headmistresses. The condition relating to the retaining of seats in tramcars was suggested and the educationists assured tut board of their keen co-operation. He moved that the proposals be adopted. Mr. M. J. Coyle said that in justice to the school children of Auckland, he felt it should be stated that they were in the habit of giving up their seats willingly. "In 1)9 cases out of 100," he declared, ''school children rise immediately they realise that adults are without seats."

In Case of Illness. Mr. L. E. Rhodes: It is just a question whether this condition should be inserted. A child might be ill and in need of a seat. The Chairman: The suggestion does not come from me. I have passed it on to the board as requested. Complaints have been received from time to time that school children do not stand, and it is felt that they should be brought to know what is the correct thing to do in tramcars. My own experience coincides with that of Mr. Coyle, but I feel that we should give effect to the request of these educational people. ■ Mr. George Baildon: I consider the onus is upon teachers to instruct children in tramway manners. As regards younger children, we frequently see women occupying whole seats with thenchildren while adults are left standing. Mr. G. Ashley: I agree with Mr. Baildon. Mr. A. J. Entrican: I have seen children under school age occupying seats, and 1 think that in such cases they ought to be asked to stand. Chivalry of the Children. Mr. Rhodes moved as an amendment that the clause be deleted. He djd so because he thought it was not right to sell a concession with one hand and take it away with the other. In his opinion, they should leave the matter to the chivalry of the children. Mr. Ashley seconded the amendment. Mr. Coyle' thought the board should accede to the request which had been made from the conference attended by the chairman. Mr. Ashley: It is in their own hands to deal with, Mr. Chairman. The Chairman: Other influences are at work, also. "Herded on Platforms." Mr. Morton complained that it was a common spectacle in Auckland to see young children herded together on the platforms of cars. Mr. Coyle: Where cfo you see that spectacle? Mr. Morton: You have only to come out to Manukau Road. Mr. Coyle: That is at Onehunga. Mr. Morton: Sooner or later there will be a serious accident, and in the interest of the children themselves they should be compelled to stand inside the cars. I quite agree that children should give way to their elders, but there is the other aspect of.the matter, namely, that when a child pays its fare it is entitled to a seat.. I support the amendment. The amendment was defeated on the casting vote of the chairman, and the clause imposing the condition for the surrender of scats was adopted.