TRAMWAY TROUBLE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10085, 25 September 1918, Page 5

TRAMWAY TROUBLE

IMPROVED SERVICE CARS DID NOT GO SO SLOW YESTERDAY. There was a marked improvement in the rate of speed at which the city tramcars drove yesterday. While many of them still drove at a speed below the usual there appeared to be a general livening up over tho, whole service. This is corroborated by travellers and by an official of the tramway management. It is thought that the announcement that prosecutions were likely awed the tramwaymen somewhat. In regard to the possible prosecutions an official of the Labour Department stated to a “New Zealand Times“ reporter yesterday that the matter hud not been definitely decided upon. in conversation with tramwaymen yesterday a “New Zealand Times' 1 reporter learnt that if there is any “go slowness" about the cars at present it is because the motormen are conscientiously adhering to ■ their rule-books. The rate' of speed through the city is a low one. and the tramwaymen are strictly following this up in return for the Citv Council’s strict attitude to them. Previously many of the cars were in reality compelled to break the speed limit so" that they might keep to schedule. A statement has keen made by the general manager of the tramways (Mr. \V. H. Morton) in regard to* overtime. Mr Morton explains that the provisions of the Wellington agreement com. pel the management to arrange work at overtime rates which should be done reasonably at ordinary rates. These restrictions consist principally in limiting. the number of broken shifts which are necessary to cope with rush hour traffic. Indeed, overtime in the service could he abolished to a very great extent if certain restrictions in the agreement could be removed or amended within reasonable limits. In the southern centres these same restrictions do not obtain.