On Our Job

On Our Job was a monthly magazine published with the tagline ‘by Wellington Trammies, for Wellington Trammies’ between 1943 and 1945 during World War II. The tagline was later updated to ‘published by Wellington Trammies, for Wellington Trammies serving in the armed forces'.

Organised by the Comforts Committee of the Tramways Department, Wellington, and printed by Standard Press, the sole purpose of On Our Job was to ‘get news to the boys serving overseas or in camp in New Zealand’ (01 October 1943: 1).

On Our Job contained news and updates on the union and sports teams, notices on the comings and goings of tram workers including births and death notices, humorous stories and jokes related to the work and reports of events such as dances and picnics. The Comforts Committee also organised the sending of parcels to men overseas such as meat hampers, cakes and tobacco parcels.

According to its second issue, the first issue of On Our Job was so well received that they had to explain to those who were enquiring as to why they did not receive a copy that only enough copies were published ‘to see each man away from the job is assured a copy’ (01 October 1943: 1).

While it is not clear when On Our Job officially finished, there were signs of its slowdown in July of 1944 when it was stated that the publication may not be printed as often due to ‘a lack of news’ (01 July 1944: 1). However, it did continue until at least July 1945, when editor Tom Russell gave up his role. It is possible a decision was made by the Comforts Committee as to whether a new editor would be appointed after this point.