TRAM SICKNESS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13014, 4 December 1942, Page 3

TRAM SICKNESS

GIRLS NEEDED REVIVING

RARER THAN TRAIN SICKNESS

One of the trials the new women tram conductors have had to face is tram sickness. They have pluckily carried on, nevertheless, in spite of it.

Several had to be revived with sal volatile when they reached their depots, says the Sydney Sun. To combat tram sickness they are being advised to have a good meal before going on duty, to lean against seats, not stand in the centre of swaying trams, and in slack times to sit down.

Discussing tram sickness, a Mac-quarie-street doctor said that it is much rarer than train or car sickness. The excitement of beginning a new job so much in the public eye, he considers, is a big factor contributing to tram sickness of the conductresses who normally would probably not be affected to anything like the same extent.

Refuse Gifts

Conductresses, all thoroughly enjoying their job, have had some amusing and other experiences. Several have had to refuse gifts and invitations to entertainments.

'But the man who took the orchid out of his buttonhole and gave it to me was so nice that I had to take it," said conductress Holder. Yesterday she was wearing the orchid pinned in a lapel. Although she confessed she was frightened by the big crowd that often surges on the tram at King's Cross, conductress K. Davis said no one has yet escaped without paying their fare. But she has had to be very firm on several occasions. At the Rushcutters Bay depot the conductresses have facilities for washing, changing their clothes, and cooking a meal, if they wish to do so.

On Buses Soon

Within three weeks women conductors will take ' their places on buses. The large infiltration of women into the ranks of conductors will enable hundreds more trains to be placed in commission.

In spite of the opposition of men bus conductors, the Minister for Transport, Mr O'Sullivan, said women would be collecting bus fares just as soon as depot facilities and uniforms were completed.