THE TRAMWAY BOARD ELECTION

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21938, 12 November 1936, Page 9

THE TRAMWAY BOARD ELECTION

TO THE EDITOB OF THB PRESS Sir—Behold another sniper from ambush has appeared on the scene in the person of “X.Y.Z..” just one more letter on his nom-de-plume and he would have had to back peddle or go to China or Timbuctoo for one. “X.Y.Z.” is one of the shrewd birds in his own estimation and picks a little piece out of the accountants’ report to suit his ends, but what he has left out P’Svill tell the public. Question 11 in the report was as follows:—Can collection of a rate to cover deficiency at the end of current year, March 31. 1934.'be avoided? The answer given to this question was as follows; “Taking into consideration all aspects of the intricate problem before the board, we regretfully have to advise that in our opinion there is no alternative but to levy a rate m connexion with the deficiency at March 31 1934.” They then suggest that m their opinion the rate to be struck io meet this deficiency should be £32,143. Question 12 in the report reads as follows:—-Can collection of a rate to cover estimated deficiency for the year ended March 31, 1935, be avoided? If so bow? The answer given was as follows: “We have to say, therefore, in answering this question that we can “e no alternative but to levy a rate for the deficiency that is estimated fo. the year ending March 31, 1935, which we trust will be fixed upon the above ‘given .in Plain English and olain figures, so why does X.Y.A. ££ to evade the truth? For two years these accountants advised we shouM collect a rate to bnng m £63 75a The rate eventually fejied by 5%,26186 fnr this oenod was or i.^0,100 ScSun advised by these accountants. “rs? 0 " 8 JS bSfifiS nhilifv of the Labour board, but if he jikes to disclose hi? identity and call * m t can convince him that the SbSS board has a deal more business ability than someoithebusiness men who are standing wr to®

Tramway Board, including the late general manager. I have in my possession a report issued by the late general manager entitled, “How to avoid a rate for 1934 deficiency and how to balance the budget” This report is ,a real masterpiece of high finance and a putting off of the evil hour by borrowing money and still further increasing thfc loan liability. ■ . ~_ „ I have a lot more I can tell X.Y.Z., but will reserve it until some future occasion.—Yours, etc., E. PARLANE. November 11, 1936.

TO THE EDITOR OE THE PRESS. Sir,—Mr Parlane in. his letter to “Jack Daw” asks him to name one person who, has been victimised by Labour. He would lead your readers to believe that Labour does not victimise those who do not agree with them. Let me state clear cases of victimisation. Applications were called for men to obtain their trolley-bus ana Diesel bus driving tickets. Most of the “loyal” men pvt in their names, and while the notice was still up they were told the classes were full. At the same time, and for some weeks later “strikers” were being admitted to classes. The men brought into the service later on account of the 44-hour week were specially invited to attend these classes. What has Mr Parlane to say about this? Mr Manning deludes himself when he says reductions in trolley-bus taxes and savings in the general manager’s salary enabled the board to give decent wages, conditions, etc. The altered conditions are due directly to legislation passed by the Government. Then again he mentions the feelings of the staff and every striker being back. It is a well-known fact that Labour did not strive for office at the last tramway election for the benefit of the ratepayers and tram users, but to avenge the strike. Mr Manning’s last sentence proves this. Then in addition to every striker being back, their brothers and friends were also given employment, thus increasing the wages cost with the excuse of the 40-hour week. Also these men were told at the union meetings the names of the men to whom they were not to speak. This has been verified by the men themselves, some of whom laugh at it. Does Mr Manning really think the board has an amiable staff or is this another of his delusions? Is it not also a fact that “strikers” are still called on “the mat” for daring to be on friendly terms with “loyal” men? The strike should have been forgotten long ago, but its memory has been kept alive and fostered by the ■present board’s attitude ever since it took office. —Yours, etc., CONCESSION CARD USER. November 10. 1936.

[When this letter was referred to Mr Parlane, he said that when the busdrivers were selected, preference was given for length of service as well as for proficiency. In any cars, driving a Bus gave no monetary advantage over the motormen.]

Ro me bditok of tub phess Sir, —It is very amusing to read Mr Manning’s letter in “The Press” this morning. He gives instances of the present board saving £6OO on this, £4OO on that, and £3OO on something else, but why, with all these savings, does the board still keep increasing the rate every year? He also states that every striker is now back on the job. How did they get back? By the present board dismissing every volunteer that it could. And he calls that "great progress.” When the board had to put on more men under the 40-hour week, why did it not do the manly action, and give the volunteers whom it had dismissed the first chance of employment?

For Mr Manning’s benefit. I will quote one instance. A volunteer resigned some time ago. and when the board had to put on more men, he put an application in, and received a reply that as he was over the age limit his application was not accepted. On the other hand, a striker resigned early this year, and under the 40-hour week he was one of the first to be started. This striker is, to the best of my knowledge, older than the volunfeer who applied.—Yours, etc., BRICKS AND MORTAR. November 10, 1936.

TO TH* EDITOB OF THB PRBSS Sir. —This correspondence is dedicated to the host of anonymous scribes who appear in your paper when an election is pending. Of all the ills that we’re accursed, Anonymous writers are the worst; They come to light at each election With names assumed to hide detection.

These nameless scribes in human form, With minds no bigger than a worm; They twist, distort, lie, and malign. Their proper names ashamed to sign.

Thev say there is a place called hell. Where Nick and all his angels dwell, If such there be. there will be a spot For anonymous scribes that's extra hot

Ad rice to all who read this screed, And if you ever have the need To write a letter to “The Press,” Please sign your real name and address,

To those who in the past, have erred, Do not in future be deterred

From being honest, and doing right. And set a standard high and bright. Yours, etc.,— E. PARLANE, November 11, 1936.