The Stud Ass AGM had given the Executive a very definite line on the proposal of the City Council to increase tram fares. This line was, despite some cynical opposition, unequivocally Anti. Accordingly, our Secretary, Harry Evison, with the invaluable assistance of some statistical experts, drew up submissions and evidence to lay before the Price Increasing Tribunal when the matter came up for their judgment.

Thus, on Tuesday, July 27, when Mr. W. E. Leicester, in best Plunket Medal style, was expounding the case for higher tram fares before the Tribunal (Mr. Justice Hunter, and Messrs. Holloway and Munro), our Secretary was present, awaiting his turn. First we heard Mr. Leicester, smooth and confident, reading frightening lists of figures. His witnesses, the manager, accountant and engineer of the tramways, were not so confident, especially under the cross-examination of the Price Control Division.

This body was represented by its Director, Mr. Wise, who gave their submissions next. These were for a slight increase in fares, but placing more of the burden of increased expenses on the large sums at present being deposited annually in Reserve and Accident funds. Mr. Leicester had argued that this was a most unwise policy, since he envisaged "a tremendous accident in the near future, in which some lives would be lost." (Not a very complimentary comment on the efficiency of the tramways). Mr. Wise's submissions, together with the statements of subsequent witnesses, suggested that some of the Council's long lists of figures, so skilfully presented, were most deceptive, and did not justify the comparatively large increases in fares applied for. Furthermore, it appears that the Council seeks the unprecedented course of making good capital expenditure out of the revenue from increased fares.

A Rousing Speaker

Numerous bodies were represented in opposition to the increase: the Karori West and Miramar North Ratepayers' Associations, the School Committees' Association, the Trades Council, the Rongotai and Wellington College Parents' Associations, and the Communist Party, as well as the VUC Students' Association. Our spokesman was called first—towards 5 o'clock. The Judge was not one of the rising generation; the room was hot, and it was getting on in the day. He saved himself from the arms of Morpheus by suddenly enquiring: "Where are you getting all these figures from?" Mr. Evison pointed out that they were on the sheet he was reading, a duplicate of which was in his Honour's hand. His Honour was most apologetic for allowing his attention to wander.

The burden of the Stud Ass submissions was that the Cable Car was run at a large profit, and its passengers should not be victimised for any loss incurred on the rest of the tramway service. Students' living was hard enough as it was, without bumping up transport costs. Special reductions for students had been refused before, without any helpful explanation.

Opposition Stands Firm

Cross-examined by Mr. Leicester, whose whole aim seemed to be to make him contradict himself, Mr. Evison stood to his ground and refused to be brow-beaten. Mr. Leicester treated all witnesses from the floor as potential rogues, liars and conspirators against social stability. As many as he cross-questioned, reacted very well, especially Mr. Evison.

Whatever the Tribunal decides, the Association and the general public of Wellington owes a hearty vote of thanks to Harry Evison and to the other witnesses, for the fight they put up against this further link in the chain of rising prices.