WORKERS' TRAM FARES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 278, 20 August 1919, Page 3

WORKERS' TRAM FARES

L.R.C. PROTESTS AGAINST INCREASE

Hie following protest, made by l!he Wellington Labour Representation Committee against tlio City Council's decision to increase workers' tram fares, hus been sent to the Prime Minister bv the secretary of the committee (Mr." 1?.. M'Kecn) "I have been instructed to writo you protesting against tlio granting of any application by the City Council for nn Order-m-Conncil permitting it to increase porkers' tram fares. My committed are not satisfied that the management of the Wellington tramways system is perfect, and nro emphatically of opinion that n thorough inquiry into tlio working of the said system with a view to effecting economies and securing more efficient working should be made beforo it is decidcd to increase workers fares. . "I am instructed to direct your attention to the fact that the housin<j problem is very acute in Wellington, that rents are higlier hero than in any other part of the Dominion, and that tlio cost of travelling to and from work by the cars is virtually an increase in rent so far as the worker i? concerned. If the City Council is permitted to impose extra charges, it will tend to prevent workers living in tlio suburbs and to concentrate population in tlio already over-crowded central area,.. . . The above committee represents over ,0000 workers in this city."