THE FIRST TRAMS

Evening Star, Issue 21093, 4 May 1932, Page 8

THE FIRST TRAMS

INITIAL SUCCESS OF SERVICE PEACEFUL PICKETING—HO INTERFERENCE . [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, May 4. The first trams moved out as usual on all lilies this morning, and thereafter a restricted service was maintained, approaching 50 per cent, of normality. With the aid of the inspectors, a few loyalists, old tramwaymen, and volunteers, not as much inconvenience as expected was caused, but hundreds walked to work and hundreds cycled who ordinarily use the trams. The weather was fine and clear. Officials consider the emergency service a distinct success, and say that it will be extended to-morrow, as shoals of applications for work have been received from men with more or less‘experience. Three hundred strikers picketed the approaches to the tramways depot in Moorehouse avenue at 5 this morning. At the same time official cars and a small licet of taxis disgorged a force ofpolice of a size to ensure uninterrupted working of tho emergency arrangements. The strikers adopted a policy of peaceful picketing, and there were no demonstrations and no molestation of the emergency workers. One hundred police were on duty at the depot, and others were stationed at various points. The first tram left the de'pot for Sumner at 6.2 a.in. There were two constables in the car. The driver was an inspector and tho guard a volunteer. By 8 o’clock about thirty trains and trolly buses had left the depot, their drivers and conductors being guarded by the police. Mr Frank Thompson, general manager, stated that the service for to-day would be fully 50 percent. as efficient as if there had been no strike. Mr Thompson was warm in his appreciation of the work of the traffic manager and his staff. The only thing that the pickets did at the depot was to notice who was driving tho trams with a keen eye for union men who had not joined in tho strike. Their names were filed for reference. There was no active demonstration whatever. The main body of men, about 200 strong, assembled at Moorhouse avenue at tho end of Fitzgerald avenue, and stood there quietly', stamping and blowing on their hands to keep out tho frost and cold. A detachment watched the approach from the intersection of Kerry road and Fitzgerald avenue, and another contingent, about sixty strong, posted themselves at tho corner of Moorhouso avenue and Barbadoes street. Almost as soon as the men made their appearance the police, who had been

keeping a close watch at the depot during the night, were reinforced strongly. Superintendent Cummings and Inspector Cameron arrived on the scene, followed by a car load of constables. The first- move of the police was to clear the men away from their nearest Fitzgerald avenue position. The request to move on was courteously but firmly made, and acted upon without protest. Then things worked smoothly. The tramway board manager said the new men now employed were of a good stamp. There was nothing temporary about their employment. The old staff had resigned, and there was little likelihood of the service breaking down. APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT OVER 600 RECEIVED MOTOBMEN BEING RE-ENGAGED. Applications for employment are coming in at such a rate that the Tramway Board is unable to keep a complete tally of them. At noon over 600 had been received. The board has a sufficient staff to run an evening service, but as a precaution against_ possible disturbances it has been decided that to-day and to-morrow the last cars will leave the square at 5.45 p.m. It is stated that a number of the strikers are already applying for reinstatement. Motormen are urgently needed and are being re-engaged. The union officials affirm that there is no weakening, and that the strike will be continued, though they are willing at any time to reopen negotiations on reasonable terms. A big trade unions meeting will be held in the Trades Hall this evening, when it is believed that the possibility of the strike being extended will be discussed. SUPPORT FROM WELLINGTON MORAL AND FINANCIAL HELP [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, May 4. Following a meeting of Wellington tramwaymen this morning it was announced that the men had unanimously decided to support the Christchurch tramwaymen with moral and financial help. “We could not help the Christchurch men by,going out on strike here,” remarked one of the officials in reply to a question as to what the effect of the decision would be as far as Wellington was concerned.