TRAMWAY PROBLEMS.

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2979, 17 January 1917, Page 4

TRAMWAY PROBLEMS.

SHORTAGE OF MOTORMEN. ■ The shortage of tramway officers, caused by this enlistment of many men, previously employed •in tramway services throughout New Zealand; was discussed at conferences held in "Wellington yesterday. A difference ,of opinion between employers and employees was rovealed, and both sides placed their views before the-Minister of Public Works (Hon. W. Eraser).

The Minister first met representatives of the various'tramway services. The gentlemen present were: Messrs. W. H. Morton (manager Wellington Tramways), J. J. Clarke (Mayor of Duuedin), W. A. Scott (chairman Dunedin Tramways), C. F. Alexander (manager Dunedin Tramways), 'J.' W. Callagbaii (manager Napier Tramways), E. G. Foster (manager Invercargill Tramways), J. J. Wujklate (manager Auckland Tramways), F. J. Talboys. (manager Wanganui Tramways), I' 1 . Thompson (manager Christcburcli Tramways). The delegates urged that the unusual conditions created by the war-'■made it necessary that tbo conditions governing the training and appointment of motormen. should bo relaxed. They asked the Minister to suspend subclauso 5. section 2, of the Tramways Act, 1910, so as to enable conductors to sit for their examination as motormen after less than twelve months' service; instead of twelve months as at present. They suggested, also, that tho period of,training should be reduced from twenty-ons to twelve days, tho alteration to take effect during the period of the war and six months after the declaration of peace. Later the Minister met a- delegation from the Tramway Employees' Federation, consisting of Messrs. H. Carter, general secretary (Auckland), H. Hun: ter (Christchnrch), W. Donham (Invercargill). W. Hickman (Wanganui), G. Graham (Napier). H. Evans (Wellington), and Dover (Dunedin). Tho delegates had conferred previously, and had decided that in their opinion there was no actual shortage except in one centre.' They placed their views before the Minister at somo length. ' . The Minister stated subsequently that he intended to place the matter beforo Cabinet at an early datc._ Hβ: had obtained as much information as possible, and would consult his colleagues regarding tho position.