REFUGEE TAXI-OWNER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 119, 22 May 1945, Page 6

REFUGEE TAXI-OWNER

WANTS I/ICENSE RENEWED

"If Mr. Postlewaite is stating the views of the R.S.A. I suggest he indicates a reactionary policy which is to be deplored," paid Mr. Haigh, on behalf of a taxicab owner who applied to the Metropolitan Licensing Authority for a renewal of his license at yesterday's sitting, when all licenses were, up for review. Mr. Postlewaite, on behalf of the R.S.A., objected' to the renewal on the grounds that the applicant, Philip Hubner, was a refugee. Mr. Haigh said his applicant's case was no different to that of other single license holders. Hubner came to New Zealand in August, 1939. He was a Polish subject and a Jew. He had previously lived in Germany, where he had spent six months in. a concentration camp in 1935. His taxicab license was granted by the licensing authority in, After driving for seven, months Hubner had been notified by the police that as he was an alien he would have to employ a driver for tlje war period. He -had engaged a man and started business as a publisher of children's books. With the reimportation of books, which had already been commenced, the returns-from his venture would not be large and applicant would become dependent on his taxi. To Mr. Postlewaite applicant said he could not live on the taxicab pro-, fits after paying a driver. He would not discuss his earnings from publishing books.. He denied he was interested in the manufacture of toys. On the second day of the war he had offered his services to the Armed Forces. Mr. Postlewaite submitted that Hubner's license should be made available to a returned serviceman. Applicant, as a refugee, was not liable for military service and was engaged in another occupation. Mr. Haigh said Hubner was not the only. alien on the list of applicants for renewal of licenses. Decision was reserved.