TEST CASES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 100, 30 April 1945, Page 6

TEST CASES

TAXICAB LICENSES

REVIEW BY AUTHORITY

Matters of considerable importance to the taxicab business in the Auckland district were voiced this morning when the Metropolitan Licensing Authority commenced a comprehensive review of existing licenses, in accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Transport.

In order to avoid so far as possible reiteration of general evidence, the authority decided to divide the licenses into certain classifications and to hear representative applications from each c-lass as test cases. The classifications were: (1) Single license holders, public and private; (2) multiple license holders, public; (3) multiple license holders, private; (4) multiple license holders, funeral directors.

In addition to those representing various interested parties, a large number of taxicab license holders were present.

The first test case was that of G. S. Campbell for a renewal of a single public license. Supporting the case, Mr. A. Sinclair said the application was typical of 13S others by men who had continuously operated a single taxi-cab since November, 1939. It was suggested that licenses be renewed to these applicants because of their satisfactory service. Post-war Position Mr. Sinclair said there was now only one view as to what was likely to be the position after the war. It was submitted that as a result of an increase in the number of new drivers owning second-hand cars and of large numbers of returned servicemen being fully occupied in establishing homes, with consequent reduced social activities, the demand for taxis would fall away. Despite the lifting of certain restrictions it would be necessary for taxi men to cater again_ for the funeral and wedding work at present carried out by the holders of restricted private hire licenses issued since 1939. "The increase in Auckland's population," said Mr. Sinclair, "will be in the area beyond a four-mile radius from the Chief Post Office. It is, therefore, submitted that the present number of taxis and the number of operating units in the area will be in excess of post-war requirements and the authority should consider reducing the number of licenses in the inner area."

No one appeared in opposition to the application, and the committee reserved its decision.

The second case was that of J. Simm (Mr. J. Hogben). This, case, counsel stated, was representative of that class of licensee who had obtained a single public license since 1939 There were about 100 licensees in this group. He submitted that these licenses should all be renewed for a three-year term, since the licenses had been acquired after investigation by the authority. The licensees had complied with all iequirements of the law.and they had taken on certain financial obligations. There had been no statement regarding the policy actuating the review, d^on^e^t^nfSSbl rehabilitation was spoken of, to give the impression that their interests were being considered on their own; rather were their interests, being considered in conjunction with the fntereste of the rest of the community.

Conditions Not Permanent Counsel submitted that amain reason for the renewal of the present licenses was that conditions Fn the industrv could not be regarded as anything more than temporary. These temporary factors included the supply of fuel, tyres and the restricted use of private cars and general economic conditions. He ma not think it possible to say what would be the effect on the industry when these conditions changed. , There were, however, certain private hire licenses granted because of certain conditions which no longer applied, to-day, and he suggested these could be transferred to public hire licenses for the outer suburbs. Mr. Hogben, who was also appearing for the Auckland Taxi Owners' Association, said there were ever 50 members of the association serving in the forces, and it was the policy of the organisation that these men should get first consideration. As far as the present holders were concerned, some had seen service in this war, some were over military age, some had served in the last war, some had been rejected for service, and many of the others had offered their services. These men were entitled to consideration, he submitted.

During the hearing of this case, Mr. F. Hackett, M.P., placed before the authority the views of the Auckland Rehabilitation Committee and Mr. F. H. Taylor outlined the policy of the Rehabilitation Department. From evidence the commlttae had had before it, said Mr. Hackett, it had become firm believers in what

could be called a slogan, "One man, one license, one shift," an*d it was hoped that the authority would put this into practical Effect.

"Only a very small minority of interested people will oppose such a policy, and their opposition will undoubtedly be prompted by their financial interest,' he said. It is not palatable to see returned men employed by owners, who, making every post a winning post during the war period, have increased the number of licenses held by them out of all proportion to the number held by them prior to the war. Furthermore, the conditions of employment under which these men are at present engaged do not tend to provide a good service to the public.

He hoped that the authority would relieve owners of all licenses above one in number, special attention being paid to those accumulated since the outbreak of hostilities, and that the authority would consider whether or not an owner who was the owner or proprietor of another business should be allowed to retain a taxi license. Mr. Taylor said the policy of the Department was to give the same consideration to returned servicemen and home servicemen, with priority for those who had previously been in the taxicab industry. There was no opposition to the application and the committee reserved its decision. Population Shifts The third of the single licenseholder test cases was that of F. Laver. This application was opposed by Auckland Taxi Services (Mr. Sinclair) and the Auckland Taxi Owners' Association (Mr. Hogben) in so far as the type of license (private) was concerned. The applicant gave evidence that there was ample work for him in the district he was swerving, and stated that he could take on a greater amount of work if the petrol was available. Mr. R. H. Nicholls, district officer

The applicant gave evidence that there was ample work for him in the district he was Serving, and stated that he could take on a greater amount of work if the petrol was available.

Mi-. R. H. Nicholls, district officer of the Transport Department, gave his private opinion that private licenses should be converted to public licenses within the 10-mile area of the city. Mr. Sinclair said the population of Auckland was gradually going towards the outer suburbs, and he gave figures in support of this contention. He suggested there was a growing demand for taxis in the outer areas, and that these parts- of Auckland should be served by zoned public taxis, operating from public stands through the central telephone system. There would also be need for a roster. It was not suggested that the schedule of fares should be altered.