TAXI DRIVERS DIFFER

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1044, 7 August 1930, Page 10

TAXI DRIVERS DIFFER

RANK AT DEVONPORT NOT A HAPPY FAMILY CLAIM FOR SLANDER That the taxi-drivers at the Queen's Parade stand, Devonport, have not always been a happy family was brought to light in evidence at the Civil Court this morning before Mr. E. C. Cutten, when one taxi-proprietor, Norman J. Young, claimed £IOO damages from another, Donald A. McLean, for an alleged slanderous statement. According to the statement of cfaim, on March 9 defendant falsely spoke the following words concerning the

plaintiff —“I am not like you, I d»d not have to burn the old one to get a new one.” It was alleged that the defendant meant by this that Young had deliberately burned his old car in order to gain the insurance anti purchase another. Plaintiff claimed that he had been injured in his reputation and exposed to contempt. In outlining the case, Mr. Fraer. who appeared lor plaintiff, said that there were two taxi-stands, one of which had a telephone. This one was always used, except late at night and early on Sunday mornings, when the cars lined up at the other one, this being quite in order, according to an unwritten law’ between the taxi-drivers. On the Sunday morning. Young was first to arrive and stopped at the stand on the opposite side of the road to the telephone, which was in accordance, with the unwritten law between the drivers. McLean was the next to arrive, and he parked near the phone. It was always held that the first car on the rank should answer 'the phone. “The phone did ring, McLean answered it, and then tiie fun started.” said counsel. “McLean saifl that Young was a hungry mongrel and so on. and things became lively. Young said to McLean. “You think you are just It because you have a new car,” and McLean answered, “But 1 am not like you, I did not have to burn the old one to get a new one.” > UNWRITTEN RULE Other taxi drivers gave evidence and said that it was realised that ther»r was an unwritten rule that the stand opposite the phone should be used on Sunday mornings. A constable from Devonport said that McLean had appealed to him that he thought Youug would do something desperate to him. • “The members of the stand are certainly not a happy family,” said witness. His Worship said it was a pity to hear such reports. There was no reason why life could not be just as pleasant for taxi-drivers as anyone else. It appeared that both parties had abused one another and the bad language was about fifty-fifty. One. on this occasion, however, had used language which constituted a crime, although it may have been intended merely as abuse, but if one was rash enough to make such statements then he would have to pay for it. Judgment was given against defendant for £7 10s.