GOOD-BYE TO THE OMNIBUS GIRL.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 January 1920, Page 6

GOOD-BYE TO THE OMNIBUS GIRL.

THE LAST OF 5000. We have seen the last of the London General Omnibus Company's women omnibus conductors. London will miss the girl's familiar, trjm figure, her smiling face, -and merry banter. For nearly four years the "conductress" has braved the weather, the discomforts, the strenuous life of the London streets. During that time more than 31,000 women and girls applied for work, and nearly 5000 were accepted. Britain will never forget that the services of those plucky women alone enabled the London General Omnibus Company to maintain its services. from every part of the British Isles, the gay, the giddy, the good, and the grave, from stage to scullery, answered the call, enrolled in the splendid army of women workers, and, by way #f the •company's training school, appearec "on the road." And what a road it has proved to them! The Road of Adventure for all, the Rough Rnad for some, and for others the Road of Romance, for many a marriage has been arranged between the girls and their "fares," and many a driver will be "conducted" through life by his little '''mate." Despite the hardship of the life, a very genuine regret at leaving was expressed by the girls. The last batch (the Jirst to be employed) were entertained by the company at their Milman Street, Chelsea, garage, and were presented by Lady Stanley, with certificates of service.

Among them was the first '"'conductress" engaged—still serving in thaj; capacity—who, during her long service of 970 days with the company, has, it is estimated, run up and down steps to a distance nearly equivalent to three times round the world.

"It's been a hard life, but a gay one," all the girls agreed: and while they were loath to go. and sad at leaving, the reinstated and returned men have been loyally, gladly welcomed; for one and all of the women have been quick to realise thai their unwelcome dismissal is but the natural result of that glorious victory for which they worked unceasingly, and for which their loved ones suffered and laid down their lives.

What, are these women going to do? Most of them are going a-holiday-mak-ing. Very few have fixed plans; most of them told me that they are going to "take a rest and look round."—By 6. Ivy Saunders, in the Daily Mail.