THE TAXI BUSINESS INQUIRY

Evening Star, Issue 22453, 25 September 1936, Page 14

THE TAXI BUSINESS INQUIRY

DRIVERS SLEEP IN CARS TO CATCH FERRY [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 24. It was revealed in evidence given to-day to the commission which is inquiring into the taxi and carrying business that drivers were in the habit of spending the night in their cabs in order to keep their places on the stands at the ferry wharves. O. S. Graham, a Yellow Cah driver on commission, said that about 2 a.m., when there were no telephone rings, drivers employed by big companies would go down to the ferry wharf and wait for the boat. Some could be found sleeping in their cabs, with the windows closed. Black and White cabs were tho worst offenders. Green Cab drivers on night shift made a bedroom of their office. Witness alleged there was a White Band owner who also worked on the City Council tramways. Another allegation by the witness was that the Grey Cab Company would not allow its drivers to charge extras for over two passengers, as laid down by the City Council by-law. Cyril Bartlett entered the box and said that a notice posted by the Grey Cab Company was to the effect that, owing to competition, it was not the policy of the firm to charge extras in future. He had himself reported the matter to the traffic officer. He had once claimed 2s as extras, and was told he would get only Is fid. He pressed for 2s, and was then informed that he would probably not last long if he continued to demand extras. Frederick Reeve said he was one of tho drivers who made a practice of sleeping at the wharf. He had been accustomed to work 23 hours a day. The Chairman; That means you did not take your clothes off at all? How long did that go on for? Witness: About 10 months. The Chairman: Do you mean to say you did not change your clothes for 10 months? Witness: I am.talking about six days of tbe week. .Tames Lewis Fenton submitted aS evidence a memorandum outlining the views of the Kilbirnie Kab Kompany, Morrison’s Taxis in conjunction with tho Hntt and Petone Taxi Association, Grey Cabs, and White Band Taxis. The memorandum opposed the suggestion of a composite company, and made it clear that the present organisation was preferred. The following constructive suggestions were made:—(a) That licenses, charges, and fares should be regulated by the Transport Licensing Committee; (b) that a taxi operator should be permitted to levy separate fares; (cl that wider facilities, including special stands, should he afforded during race meetings; (d) that a taxi operator should be entitled to park at any recognised parking place and to ply wherever he chooses; (e) that under increased fares business would immediately drop off.