TAXI LICENSES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 193, 15 August 1936, Page 13

TAXI LICENSES.

I would crave space to comment on "Old Hand's" letter of August 12. In tlio first place, it is and has been always the policy of the taxi-owner to turn the worst side of the business outward with a view to encouraging the sympathy of his customers. Thus the seeming scarcity of contented and prosperous taxiowners. . But when the time comes for the production of books before Mr. Semple's commission of inquiry, there will be many surprises. How many owner-drivers in the present companies go broke or lose their cars? I have Seen in the employ of the leading Auckland taxi firm for the past two years, and have heard none leaving the business at a loss. On the contrary, since the introduction of the limitation of cabs and licenses, a monopoly was created, and the cost of buying into the business has increased. With regard to the living for the shift driver, who, incidentally is required to return sixpence for every mile run, X state the fact that for the five weeks prior to my dismissal I averaged £3 15/3 per week commission, working 00 liours per week. This leaves £7 10/G for the owner to pay benzine, tyres, depreciation, etc. This, as "Old Hand" will probably agree, was for the slackest period in the yeai for taxis. Also, with regard to the slow financial suicide which he mentions, I might add that there have been shift drivers in the Auckland taxis for the past ten years. Also, that the leading Auckland taxi firm had over a hundred shift drivers employed on their cars at the beginning of this year. May I inquire how it is that a certain number of drivers are still employed, some of whom are receiving overtime at the rate of 3/0 per hour?

ON SUSTENANCE,