WOMEN AS TRAM CONDUCTORS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 243, 15 October 1940, Page 6

WOMEN AS TRAM CONDUCTORS

AUCKLAND REJECTION OF PROPOSAL [ Per Brass Association. ] AUCKLAND, Oct. 14. A suggestion from the women's war service auxiliary that a group of women should be tra> ed to act temporarily as tram conductors in the event of an emergency, was rejected by the Auckland Transport Board at a meeting to-day. A letter from the organisation pointed out that the scheme had been adopted in Great Britain during the last war. . Mr. J. Sayegh said he thought the union would throw cold water on the , scheme and the board would get into grips with the union over the ques- ; tion. Mrs. Dreaver said the matter would - have to be discussed with the union. ’ She moved that the letter be referred i to the works committee for a report. Captain Judson, V.C.. said he thought the idea was worth while. Mr. J. A. C. Allum said the letter • should be received and J the board . should express appreciation of the . offer, but it should be explained that the time was not appropriate to take : action.

“Surely the facts are obvious,” said Mr. Armstrong. The nation did not use women until there was a shortage of men and they had not get to that position yet. One saw women in uniform everywhere and there was nothing for them to do. They had forced themselves on the Government in order to get into uniform.

Mrs. Dreaver’s motion was lost and a motion by Mr. Allum that the board should express its appreciation but in-, form the organisation that there was little difficulty anticipated in maintaining, staff, was carried.