ADIEU TO TAXIS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 235, 17 July 1947, Page 6

ADIEU TO TAXIS

MR 808 STEVENSON RETIRES TRIBUTES BY FELLOW DRIVERS For the first time since taxis were introduced at Ashburton, local drivers held a farewell recently to one of their members who is retiring from the business. The guest of honour was Mr R. A. B. (“Bob”) Stevenson, of Graham’s Road, Tinwald.

One of the best-known figures about the town, and one of the most popular, Mr Stevenson has been operating a taxi from the East Street stand for the past 23 years. He lias lived in the district throughout liis GO«odd years, and his knowledge of local affairs and residents is remarkable. Ho recalls with amusement the days when East Street was “paved” with stone blocks, and an earlier period when it was practically a sea. of mud. Through three decades he has watched the town and district grow, over the earlier years as a niusterer and latterly as a taxi proprietor. Recently he decided that the time had come for him to enjoy a well earned retirement, and so he sold liis business. He will continue to reside at Tinwald.

All taximen of the town and the traffic police were present at. a farewell smoke concert tendered Mr Stevenson at the R.S.A. rooms. Mr W. Ross' was in ; ,the chair and a very enjoyable programme was presented, Mr T. Prendergast playing the accompaniments.

At a suitable interval Mr Roes made a presentation to the guest of the evening, and all present, in the course of' brief speeches, paid tribute to the integrity, popularity and other sterling qualities of Mr Stevenson. In his reply, Mr Stevenson referred to the changes which bad taken place in the district during the last 60 years and told many amusing and interesting tales regarding local happening’s and personages.