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On Our Job, Issue 2, 1 October 1943, Page 1

HULLO FELLOWS, here we are again. Well, our first issue of this little paper seems to have gone over well, so well in fact that we have to start this copy with a word or two of explanation to those fellows who would have liked to receive a copy of the first issue and did not get one. Maybe we misled some people with our sub-title, “By Wellington Trammies, for Wellington Trammies,” whereas we really should have included the word “Overseas” somewhere in the latter part. Actually the position is this: “On Our Job” is printed solely to get news to the boys serving overseas or in camp in New Zealand. Controlled by the Comforts Committee, sufficient copies are obtained to see each man away from the job is assured of his copy, and it is not until then that any extra copies are distributed to men •still in the service. Of these copies left over, first preference must be given to officials of clubs or organisations who so kindly forward material to - help us write this little paper, and after that we attempt to get a copy to persons who receive mention, even where we are “rubbing it in.” By this time the issue is just about “a skinner,” but we feel sure that should you particularly desire one, a request for a copy from any member of the Comforts Committee will probably result in your getting it. Maybe the day will come soon when everyone will be able to have a copy. * ♦ * If you want to start something you need only ask our Comforts Committee Secretary, Alf. Burns, to tell you about the work done by the Comforts Committee for the boys overseas. Our General Manager, Mr. Hutton, did this recently and in no time at all the records were on his desk and Alf. was talking nineteen to the' dozen. Mr. Hutton expressed his interest in the work being done, and after examining the books asked for the loan of them to show to the Tramway Committee. Apparently the Tramway Committee was also interested, because the following week the City Council passed a grant of £25 to the Comforts Committee to assist us in the work we are doing

for you chaps away. Our special thanks to Mr. Hutton for his interest and his assistance in obtaining us this grant. * * * We were standing inside a tram recently on our way to work when we overheard an argument between an inebriated passenger and the conductor. After the argument was over, another passenger turned to us remarking, “What effect do these sort of passengers have on your temper during the course of a day.” We summed up our answer in two words, “Sours it.” There are passengers, however, who by their words and actions make up for those who upset us, and one in particular to whom we desire to pay a tribute is Mrs. Mulcahy, of Upland Road. During the course of the Comforts Committee’s activities several donations have been received from Mrs. Mulcahy, and her recent donation of £1 was accompanied by a note telling us it was forwarded because of the fine way the motormen and conductors assisted her on and off the trams. To Mrs. Mulcahy we say, the donation is greatly appreciated, but far more do we thank you for your kind words, which show us someone appreciates the assistance we are so willing to give to all. * * * Now, a couple of other things for us to mention before settling down to tell you some news “on our job.” First, the important question of parcels. Our last issue finished with mention of the tobacco parcel ready to be sent away at the end of August. That parcel was dispatched as promised and was followed . by a “St. George” parcel of eats in September. The parcel in hand now, ready to send as soon as we get rid of this writing business, is tinned Cadbury chocolate, and we anticipate favourable reports concerning this parcel. Incidentally, while mentioning these tins of chocolate, we got rather a knockback when we received them to discover that they had to be sewn in calico. Seventy tins of chocolate, standing on the floor looking rather naked for the want of calico, gave us food for thought, and we could see visions of members of the committee getting busy with needle

and thread. Before this sad event came off, however, Mrs. Burns, wife of our Secretary, had hoed in, and while Alf. kept well away for fear he would be roped in, had completed sewing them all within a couple of weeks. You chaps who rip that calico off will no doubt join with us in thanking Mrs. Burns for her assistance. The second matter we wish to draw to your attention also concerns our Secretary. As you know, all acknowledgments for parcels and letters are addressed to him, and he has asked us to tell you that he is finding it impossible to keep up with your mail. On a recent Monday morning he received 25 letters and more followed during the week, so if you don’t get an answer to your letter as soon as you expect, will you just be patient, for it will undoubtedly arrive as soon as possible. And now, one last thing before we tell you how Traffic cleaned up the Bus Drivers. What about those addresses? Some are still wrong, to name a few this time: Ken Henderson, Andy McLean and Frank Nicholson. With wrong addresses you may be getting your parcels, but how about all those papers and “Free Lances” we have been sending you. Please let us have your correct address as soon as possible.