Meter Wardens’ Protest

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32126, 23 October 1969, Page 14

Meter Wardens’ Protest

Sir,—The parking wardens play a vital role in obtaining revenue for the city through parking meters and the is-

suing of tickets to defaulters. Without them the system will break down as revenue declines. It could not always be an easy job being on duty in all types of weather, and having to bear the unpleasant outbursts of angry defaulters. They deserve a good wage and there is no reason why they should be the low-est-paid parking wardens in the country. Christchurch is not impoverished. Surely the least they can expect from the present dispute is an issue of shirts to complete their uniform and some allowance for uniform cleaning. The City Council seems unjust and parsimonious about this problem.—Yours, etc., L. F. ROSS. October 22, 1969.

Sir, —Christchurch has reason to be proud of the pleasant team of girls on meter duty. Police women are few and far between, but older citizens in difficulty or doubt are always sure of an attentive ear and. a courteous reply from them. The meter girls are no less polite and charming to, old, tired women than they are to young men. Grudging the girls their necessary shirt is skinflint parsimony while local bodies appear to have bottomless public funds for so many other things. We appreciate their presence and feel safer for these neat, reliable girls.—Yours, etc., DO THEM CREDIT. October 18, 1969.

Sir,—l trust the City Council feels embarrassed by the petty stupidity of their handling of the shirt question. Of course it costs $5O to outfit them with three white shirts each. Of course it would be an annual cost. However, in a month or two this will be the concern of the Transport Department The council has accepted the rights of men to five shirts per annum. Clearly if this is so the girls have some right to these, and it is better to let them have them than be caught up in the nonsense making news at present, in spite of the coming transfer of authority. Incidentally, I was amused today by the number of Hereford Street meters flying flags. There must be a lot of accountants in that area.—Yours, etc., L. October 22, 1969.