TRAM FARES MAY RISE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 174, 24 July 1936, Page 8

TRAM FARES MAY RISE

POSSIBILITY IN DUNEDIN EFFECT OF 40-HOUR WEEK HOURS WILL NOT BE OPPOSED [Ter Press Association] DUNEDIN, July 23. "While there is a possibility that tram fares may be increased it can safely be said that there will be no increased charges to the public for gas and electricity,’’ the Mayor (Rev. E. T. Cox) said when questioned regarding the effect of the 40-hour working week on operations of the various departments of the City Council. The Mayor also made it clear that the council would not make applica-; lion to the Arbitration Court lor ex- i emption from Government legislation, i although it would probably seek in- j struction concerning certain minor points, such as the payment of treble > time on statutory holidays. While ail departments will be affected by the 40-hour week and all w’ill be faced in a varying degree with carrying on their work at a higher annual charge, it is the Tramways Department that will suiter most by the increase. The additional yearly expenditure of this department will be in the vicinity of £17,290 and it wilt have to be met in some manner. The Mayor gave an assurance, however, that it was a possibility and more than a probability that the fares would be increased. Indeed, he said, that up to the present, time the City Council had not seriously considered the question. The question of rates was mentioned to the Mayor, who replied that the 40-hour week would not have any effect when the matter of fixing next year’s rates came up for consideration. The Mayor was asked whether the council, as trustees ot the ratepayers ’ would consider applying to the A. , v ’.- | (ration Court for an extension of ‘he • 40-hour week in view of the public • nature of its activities, but he was verv ernnhatic on the point. "No.” he said, "the council will not i anply for exemption. It will accent . the Government's legislation in th?; main, but there are certain minor ooints on which it may seek enlightenment. One of these is the question of overtime. The payment of time and a.-hnlf for Saturdav afternoon* and double time for Sundays is. I think, quite fair, but it is debata’dc whether the council, which has tc serve the public all through the year irrespective of holidays, should have to pay its emnlovees treble time on statutory holidays ”