CAB-DRIVERS HARD PUSHED.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1437, 11 May 1912, Page 4

CAB-DRIVERS HARD PUSHED.

THF, CONQUERING TAXI. (By Meeraph—Press Association.! Auckland, May lft. - At the Arbitration Court to-day, in the. dismite between the Cabmen's Union and the* employers, Mt. T. Long appeared tor the union, aud Mr. Chas. drosvenor for the employers. . . Mr. Ixmg said the union objected to an attempt to extend the system of working on e hares. They would ask for the increase of the present weekly wage of .U 25., which was not enough owing to the increased fast of living. Mr. Long called several "drivers, who said they earned up to as high as £3 3s. on FhaTcs. With two exceptions they would prefer to work ior jti ss. on wages with'a fixed bonu». Mr. Gro-.venor said the competition of thn taxi-cab was so keen that if there rras nny advance isi wages the old-iasMoned cab would practical!? cease to exist, it far as the public were concerned, mrina was practically confiwd to the move rapid taxis, the cabs being used for pnvsue work, balls, parties, etc. , Benjamin Armitage stated that his firm now had about twenty cabs less than they hni ! eighteen months ago. This was tine to the advent of the motor-car. The cab naH of the business did not pay live per cent., and if more cost were incurred it would mean abolishing this department altogether. In answer to Mr. Long, tne witness raid the taxi-eat; drivers received £3 a week. . The Court eaid it would consider tllO matter and give its decision later.