THE TRAMWAY TROUBLE.

NZ Truth, Issue 695, 12 October 1918, Page 3

THE TRAMWAY TROUBLE.

Dear "Truth,"—At the risk of being considered "old-fashioned" and "behind the times," like the Kelburn tram, which is from what I read m the daily papers recently,, "behind the 'New Zealand Times' " (no joke Intended), it appears tome that the method m which the "Wellington City Council is treating the very fair and just requisition of the employees m our city tramway service is absolutely the "reductio ad absurdum." In this terrible epoch m the world's history, with "profiteering" rampant m our midst, how can the City Fathers consider the advisability, of refusing the motormen and conductors' plain request for an increase of wages ? Considering the watchful eye which the motormen have to ■ keep through every street (especially at the extremely dangerous intersections), also the promiscuous insults offered to the men, it is a marvel to me ihow so many capable men remain m the service ;at such a low remuneration when they could so easily obtain much more advantageous positions".in Wellington at a. higher salary, especially when one has but to peruse the columns of the daily press every day to notice so many positions at good wages being advertised. Have our City Fathers racognlsed the faithful, honest work these men are performing? How would our worthy Mayor like a "job" as motorman or conductor? After a very careful perusal of the pros and cons of this matter m the press for weeks past, I v consider (ancl I am sure you will agree wi:h me) th"at our City Council is not treating- these men on an , equitable or even businesslike basis, especially m view of, the present high cost of living. How the motormen and conductors with families toi maintain and educate manage to struggle along is beyond my comprehension. — Yours, etc., H. T. EDMONDS. Wellington.