Tramways - Employees

Date: 18 Oct 2006

From: MOTAT Volunteers oral history project

By: Burns, Eric Frederic, active 1946-2006

Reference: OHInt-0899-01

Description: Interview with Eric Burns. Talks about working as a tram conductor with the Auckland Transport Board, starting in 1946. Recalls his training at conductor school and out of the Gaunt Street depot, being assigned to the Epsom depot, and working broken shifts rather than straight shifts. Discusses becoming a motorman, the training, and having to complete 100 hours under supervision in his own time. Describes the different types of trams and their characteristics. Comments on the difficulties of travelling down steep streets including Queen and Wellesley Streets and Parnell Road. Refers to tram Streamliner 253 and its resistance notches and running notches for going up and down hill respectively. Talks about preparation for the first trip of the day and end of day checks. Refers to meal breaks and crew toilets. Comments on the role of inspectors on trams. Refers to the formation of the Transport Preservation League and being the only member working on trams. Talks about how he became involved with MOTAT's (Museum of Transport and Technology) tram section as a driver. Comments on Auckland, Wellington and Melbourne trams. Interviewer(s) - David Annan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016563 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5955. Search dates: 1946 - 2006

Date: 21 May 2003 - 28 Jul 2003

From: MOTAT Volunteers oral history project

By: Bath, George, 1932-

Reference: OHInt-0899-22

Description: Interview with George Bath, born in London, England in 1932. Talks about emigrating to Auckland in 1952 and getting a job as a tram conductor. Comments on the training and shift work, and training as a motorman after six months. Discusses different routes, their problems and challenges, and hazards from motor traffic. Refers to inspectors, uniforms, hours worked, rates of pay and meal breaks. Tells how rewarding it was working with tramways. Talks about how he got involved with the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). Interviewer(s) - David Annan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-019923 - OHC-019924 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.33 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Microsoft Word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6919, OHDL-000448. Search dates: 1932 - 1952 - 2003

Date: [August 1943]

From: Pascoe, John Dobree, 1908-1972 :Photographic albums, prints and negatives

By: Boyer, Charles Percy Samuel, 1902-1973

Reference: PAColl-0783-2-1074

Description: Women working for Wellington Tramways, photographed in 1943 by Charles Percy Boyer. Shows them working on the tracks. Dated from information in 'The Home Front' by Nancy Taylor. (Historical Publications Branch, 1986. p 1085) Source of descriptive information - Notes on back of print. Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin print, 16.2 x 21.6 cm

Date: 1942-1945

From: Koppel, Irene, 1914-2004 :Photographic prints, albums and negatives taken by Irene Koppel

Reference: PAColl-6497-20-1-01

Description: Woman tram conductor placing the pole on the wire. Photographed in Wellington by Irene Koppel circa 1942 Previously identified as a tram driver, but no women were employed as drivers in Wellington ('The Home Front' by Nancy Taylor. Historical Publications Branch, 1986. p 1083) Inscriptions: Verso - With efficiency she places the trolley pole on the wire Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin print