MORE LICENSES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 40, 17 February 1937, Page 3

MORE LICENSES.

CITY TAXI SERVICE. OPPOSITION TO SUGGESTION. Opposition to a suggestion that the Auckland City Council might be asked to increase the number of taxicab licenses, in view of alleged complaints that it is difficult to procure taxie at certain hours, was expressed thia morning by Mr. C. Lindsay, secretary of the Auckland Drivers' Union. "My executive is of the opinion that the position would be better met by the double-shifting of taxi cabs," said Mr. Lindsay. "I estimate that if the present taxi drivers' award were adhered to each KM) cabs on the road would carry 150 drivers, and practically the whole of the cars at present licensed by the City Council would be made available to Uie public at all busy periods. It is evident that some obligation must be imposed on holders of taxi licenses. At present there is no limit to hours which may be worked, with the rc.-ult that in «.ome instances cars appear on the road ut peak periculs only. l"llless drivers arc compelled lo lie mi the road f<ir a certain period each day, ihe present chaotic position \\ il] iK,t_ We remedied. 1 consider, therefore, thai, they should be called upon to work a reasonable number of hours per week, and that the difficulty of checking up the hour* of work could best lie owM'coiuc liy the institution of a municipal telephone ,-ystem. This would mean that the present number of telephone, would lie required to cover an exlia Js Maud-. The liist men •in the rank would get the jobs offering, j ami the drivers could be clocked on and nil' through the telephone exchange. Virtually tlii- would mean the municipal!satioli oi die taxi cervices in the city, a step which my u.vecutive c<insiders to be in the right direction. J maintain that drivels should lie called upon to work a minimum of -1(1 hours a week, and thn maximum number prescribed !>v the. Transport Licensing Authority Of n hours worked within a -pan of U hours."