BRISK EXCHANGES

Evening Star, Issue 22457, 30 September 1936, Page 8

BRISK EXCHANGES

TAXI CONTROLLERS AT VARIANCE EVIDENCE BEFORE COMMISSION [Peb United J?bess Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 30. There were some brisk exchanges between the Hon. W. Haywafcl (manager of the Rink Taxi firm) and Mr C. S. Trillo (proprietor of Gold Band Taxis) when Mr Hayward concluded his evidence before the Taxi Commission this morning. Cross-examination by Mr Trillo drew attention from Mr Hayward to the effect that the “ Gold Band taxis were such outlaws and by-law breakers that no meeting to straighten things out would think of inviting a Gold Band representative.” Christchurch ’had a population , of 132,530, and the number of taxi licenses was 165, said Mr Hayward. It would be much better to reduce the number of licenses to one per 1,000 of the population iu the last four years. His firm had had only eight accidents. “ I have not paid a dividend for 10 years,” said Mr Hayward in reply to a question from Mr Trillo. Mr Trillo then , gave details of the Gold Band drivers’ earnings, saying that some had earned as high as £l4 a week. “ Would you be surprised to hear that?” asked Mr Trillo.

Mr Hayward: I could never be surprised by anything you could say or do.

“ You said you made a blunder, What was it?” Mr Trillo asked.

Mr Hayward: I blundered in imagining that your unfair tactics would soon be stopped. Mr Trillo: The court held that my methods were legal. Mr Trillo, in evidence, said he had introduced the hiring or commission system as a result of a Supreme Court action. He was allowed to continue, and this meant the winding up of the Taxi Drivers’ Union. Mr E. Parian© (secretary of the union) had been up against him ever since, and had been active in getting firms and others to boycott'him. Mr Parlane had used his influence as a city councillor to turn the council against him. The City Council had even circularised local firms asking them to cancel contracts with the Gold Band' Taxis.

“In 1929,” added Mr Trillo, “ a deputation of my drivers asked my assurance that they would not be put on wages. To this I agreed, and I have kept my word.”