PLEA FOR CLERKS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1086, 27 March 1911, Page 4

PLEA FOR CLERKS.

CHEAPER .SUBURBAN FARES. Representations were recently made to the Minister for Railways (tho Hon. .T. A. Millar) by Mr. J. P. Luke, M.P. for Wellington Suburbs, as to tho disabilities under which a large number of suburban residents suffer in regard to workers tickets on the trains. He referred to those whose business did not take them to the city until 0 a.m.' They had not the same privileges as workmen travelling at an earlier hour.' Mr. Luke contended that a largo number of clerks and others in a similar capacity were equally entitled to the privilege as mechanics, and thoso in trades, and ofteu their enrnine power was not equal to that of thoso who had tho concession. He thought that tho time hart come when they should take away the distinction us to "workers" that now existed, and accept a wider *-vift\\-. -"'.i/is "'i' l , ; V"'" , '"" - The Minister, ili'liis reply," says that on looking into tho matter, ho found that the tickets were originally issued for tho purpose of inducing the working classes to live outside the crowded areas, and, following the usual practice, the uso of such tickets on the "outward, journey had been confined to what were bona-fido workmen's trains, i.e., trains which arrived at their destination before 8 a.m., and which were patronised by most of tho workmen. The extension of the availability of the tickets to other trains would necessitate tho abandonment of the principle laid down when workers' tickets wcto inaugurated, and lead to a serious loss of revenue on the suburban lines. Residents in the suburbs who desired to avail themselves of tho privilege of travelling on workers' tickets must comply with the regulations governing the issue of the tickets, and travel by trains which reached their destination not later than 8 a.m. If the use of these tickets were extended to later trains, it would be necessary to increase tho present nominal charge, and this would be inimical to the interests of the workers. _ The Minister regretted that, after having looked into the matter in all its different aspects, and having given it every consideration, he could not see his way to comply with the request.