THE DEADLY MOTOR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1140, 30 May 1911, Page 4

THE DEADLY MOTOR.

AND THE TAXI-CAB DRIVERS' CHALLENGE. [To the Editor.] Sir,—Wc note by Mr. Fitzgerald's letter, appearing in this morning's paper, that ho is "amused with our attitude." It will bo seen by a perusal of the letters which have been published that we have not changed our attitude, but that Mr. Fitzgerald has. Your report of his remarks in your issue of tho 19th instant is as follows:—"Councillor Fitzgerald said that what- was wanted was a strict examination to keep out some of the incompetents who drove taxi-cabs at present." Our challenge also referred to taxi-cab drivers driving at present. How could the drivers who have been driving in the past be in contemplation when we speak of subjecting tho men to tests to take place after tho acceptance of the challenge. We used tho exact words which Mr. Fitzgerald is reported to havo used. It is no doubt correct that several licenses have been cancelled within the last twelve months, but is it fair of Mr. Fitzgerald to stigmatise I lie drivers generally on that account? Surely wo can only speak for the men actually driving, and who have asked us to write on their behalf, not for men who may havo scattered we know not where.

■ With reference to Sir. Trengrove's letter, wo have to state that the letter \vo sent you in the first instance was circnlatod for three days on the Fcathorston Street stand, and read by all the- drivers who were there during that time. Sir. Trengrove and three others now appear not to have assented to the letter, and wo now speak only on behalf of the other drivers and ourselves. Wo are, however, authorised by tho remaining 15 drivers at that stand to take up tho attitudo we have.

Will" Mr. Fitzgerald accept the challenge in terms of his remarks as reported on the 19th instant, and our first letter to you? A "yes" or "no" answer is what we want. We arc not to be put off the point by his generalities concerning drivers of tho past, particularly as his council will not, wo suppose, mako regulations which will relate_ to their past conduct or misconduct.—Wo are, etc., on behalf of the remaining drivers of Fcathorston Street stand, F. G. BUTLER, G. FEIWANDOS.