TRAM RIDES ON CREDIT SYSTEM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18182, 15 June 1927, Page 1

TRAM RIDES ON CREDIT SYSTEM.

MAN V/HO GAVE THE CONDUCTOR HIS CARD. Tram rides on the credit system were the reason for the appearance in Court this morning of P. Mitchell, who was charged with failing to pay a tram fare. Mr 11. B. Lawry was on the bench. Mr Hutchison, who appeared for the Tramway Board, said Mitchell used to travel on credit. “This has been going on for some time,” added counsel. “He would give the conductor his card instead of paying his fare. Sometimes notices were sent to him reminding him of the fares due; at other times he would go into the office and say: ‘How much do I owe you for tram fares?’ It is a most inconvenient way of doing business for the board, and it has become necessary that we should bring Mr Mitchell before you. On this occasion he called in at the Tramway Board's office before receiving the sum mons and asked what he owed. The board, however, refused to accept the pavment.” The Magistrate (to the defendant) : Have you anything to say? Defendant: It is not worth saying. The Magistrate: You cannot expect the Tramway Board to keep books for 2id fares, and you pay when it pleases >C A fine of 10s and costs was imposed.