TRAMS GO SLOW IN AUCKLAND

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 184, 1 May 1940, Page 10

TRAMS GO SLOW IN AUCKLAND

Thousands Late For Work MEN CLAIM INCREASE IN WAGES Strict Interpretation OC Regulations (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND. April 30. Thousands of Aucklanders were late for work this morning and for once they had good and sufficient excuse, for it was painfully slow travelling by tramcar. . To the public it seemed all stopping and starting, with little speed between stops. Tliev had become innocent victims of a dispute which has developed between sections of employees in the tramway service and the 1 rahsport Board over wages claims by the men. based on an estimate that the cost of living has risen by 8 per cent, over a period specified in the clause in their agreements. After a protracted discussion with representatives of tiie unions concerned, who were supported by officials of the Auckland District Council of Die Federation of Labour, tiie board decided yesterday Unit tiie clause under which tiie claim for wages increases is being made should be referred to the Court of Arbitration for interpretation, and if tiie Court should uot uphold tiie claim for 8 per cent., then it should be asked to declare tiie increase to which the men are entitled under tiie clause.

Tiie clause under which tiie men's demand is made provides tliat proof of a rise or decrease can be given, either thro’ugb pronouncement of the Court of Arbitration or through the official records Of the Government Statistician. The agreements further stipulate that, in the event of failure to agree on any question arising under tile foregoing clause, then tiie difference between tiie parties shall be referred to tiie Court of Arbitration.

The men's representatives, however, were not prepared to accept (lie board’s suggestion tliat the case should lie taken to the Court, and from tiie first shift this morning motormeu and conductors on alt routes worked what they term "safety first principles." or their interpretation of certain regulations designed for the safety of the public. It is said that these regulations, if strictly adhered to, make it impossible for the tramway service to work smootlily to schedule. That this is so was impressed very forcibly on .members of the public tills morning. During rush hours delays were most marked. particularly in Queen Street, where trams banked up from tiie foot of Queen Street to Victoria Street. Faster on Foot. Many travellers gave up endeavouring to ipake the foot of Queen Street by tram, and walked. They won easily in the race, for tiie tramears >were not really serious competitors. .They were ambling along in a “safe way.” conductors' making sure tliat the platforms were clear before budging from tiie safety zones.

Furthermore, the public learned, often to their sorrow, tliat traincars are built to accommodate a certain number of passengers, and flic regulations permit of only a certain number of "straphangers.” Normally, the conductor would urge the passengers to "move along inside, please.” to cram just another man or woman aboard, but today lie grinned brqadly at intending passengers congregated on the sidewalks and the motorman having been given tiie signal tliat tiie car had its full complement dutifully failed to stop.

It was just tlie regulations as interpreted by the men. If an intending passenger was making a run for it, and there was still room for him. tlie motorman was sure to notice his plight and wait till he was safely aboard. Conductors and inotormen got. black looks from fluffy haired typistes and shopgirls, and were openly abused by male passengers. It was “just like pouring water on a duck’s back.” however. for tlie trams did not travel any faster toward their destinations. An extraordinary number of trains also seemed to take the wrong turning at points, and, of course, here again there was more delay and back shunting. Some typistes were almost in tears as they realized tliat time was speeding past the hour at which they were due at their desks. There was no doubt, as to tlie inconvenience caused members of tlie public and tlie lateness of their arrival at work varied from five minutes to 45 minutes. Union's Statement. Reviewing the history of the present tramways dispute, the Press committee of tlie Tramways Union said the men at a mass meeting decided to stick solidly for an increase in wages, of 8 per cent., corresponding to tlie increased cost of living. The men also resolved that failing an agreement being reached at tlie board meeting yesterday, the regulations as provided for in tlie service should lie put into effect this morning. Tlie men further contend tliat their claim is just and that there is no need whatever for it to lie referred to tlie Court of Arbitration. Tlie chairman of the Transport Board. Mr. W. 11. Nagle, interviewed, outlined the events leading to tlie present trouble, but indicated that at this stage lie did not intend to comment on tlie position.