HUMOR OF LONDON CABBIES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 28 October 1907, Page 4

HUMOR OF LONDON CABBIES

One of the strongis l - objections to the introduction of the taximeter in London was that the cabman would be deprived of any opportunity to display his choice selection of language and skill in humorous reparteo. of the handsomo fraternity, of course, have no sense -f humor, but the majority an> decidedly facetious. Here are somo examples 'if witty and sarcastic "cabbyisms." To appreciate them properly it must be understood i hat the faro has offered n single shilling iu payment for a rido just within tlio twrc-milo limit:—

"Are you quite sure you can spare this?"' remarks the> cabby with a bump of humor. ''D'ye think you'll be able to rub along on the other nineteen till next Friday* It's goin® the pace, y'know.'' "If you'll take my tip, guv'nor," runs another form of gentle reproach, "you'U go and see a hoculist. You 'ailed this 'bus by mistake You wants a red or fproen or yellow 'bus—black ain't in your line at all."

"Thank yei, guv'nor ; " says another cabby, with apparent emotion; "th;'.n.< yer, kindly. Y«r offer is well meant, but I couldn't go for to do it." Saying which he makes a pietcneo ci handing the shilling back to the ;istonishcd fare, "But I can't sell liim, jjuv'nor, an' that's a fact. Yer "and some hoffcr'd make me rich for life; but I tell ve,: I can't s-11 'im." Ono cabby, who was an excellent acr.or, on receiving his shillnig burst into teavs, and between hi> 'oud sobs jerked out: "I'm sorry you force it on me, guv'nor, I am, really. The hincome tax people'il bo down on me now." An excellent "tabbyism" was perpetrated in the suburbs one night. As the fare lot- himself into tli-s house ha was regaled somewhat «> foF-ows: —-"Go in quietly, sir, in case the old woman wakes up and 'ears me drivin' aw.vv. Sho might stop tho rest of yer pocket money' for this ex travagancc."