TRAMWAY BONUSES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19803, 31 May 1926, Page 11

TRAMWAY BONUSES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—ln your: issue of this morning you inform us that the Tramways Committee of the Dunedin City Council has decided to give bonuses to the tramway employees to recompense them for their arduous work during the Exhibition period. This is correct in nrinciple, but what about the details? Is it not another case of “To him that hath shall be given?’’ I refer to the suggestion that the tramways manager should get £SO, and that others should get less, according to their “rank.” I believe the manager (Mr M’Kenzie) and the inspectors and office staff all did good work, but’ was not- the “heat and burden of the day’’ borne—yes, and borne patiently and silently—by that splendid body of men—our motormen and conductors. Why should tney be_ given a naltry Id per hour only amounting in all to approximately £5 or less? Pedsonally, I see no reason why our tramcar and bus motormen, conductors, shed workers, linesmen, and other “navvies” should not get at least £lO apiece. The department simply “coined” money during the Exhibition period, while the exnployees possibly shortened their lives, and did it willingly, in bearing the strain put upon them. Such being the case, £lO per man would be little enough.—l am, etc., G. S. Thomson. Opbho, May 29.