A CABMAN’S CHARGES,

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2134, 17 July 1907, Page 4

A CABMAN’S CHARGES,

COMPLAINT TO THE COUNCIL. The following letter from Mr. Alex, fveorer, addressed to the Mayor, was react at the Borough Council mooting last evening:—“l wish to bring under your notice a matter which J- consider of importance to the iiublic at large, and one that should be firmly dealt with by your Council, for the puoiic have a right to be protected against excessive charges. Last evening (Eriday, July sth,i at s.fib p.m., noticing that two cabs were on the stand in Gladstone-road, I went up to tho driver of the first one, and asked him if lie was engaged, and he answered “No.” I then asked him to drive me, together with two ladies, over to my home, which is at the corner of Ru'tenc and Do Lautour roads, Kaiti, when ho replied he would not go for less than ss. I said, ‘You havo no right to cliargo, or demand, more than Is per passenger,’ but he declined to ; tako the trip, saying that other cabmen might, but ho would not. Now, 'sir, tho Borough by-laws clearly lay it down that tho faro is Is iior head, my residence being well within tho mile and within tho postal delivery. It is only from 7 p.m. that extra fares can bo charged, vide by-laws. I would not have brought this matter up, but I have heard other complaints about ladies being overcharged. It is to guard against this sort of extortion that I have brought tho matter before tho Council, in order that tho public may bo protected and your by-laws not doffed. In justico to the other cabmen I may say that this is tho first time that I have had any one of their number trying to impose upon me. It might havo a salutary effect if all cabmen were warned that unless they charge tho rates per schedule their licenses will be liable to be called up for cancellation.”

Tho Town Clerk said the correct fare would have been 3s. Tho distance was under tho mile.

Cr. Miller proposed that a copy of the letter ho submitted to the cabman in question, and that lie be asked for an explanation. The rnqtipn was agreed to, Cr. Bright remarking that the drivers must be kept up to tho by-laws.