NEW FARES FOR TAXIS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21290, 9 October 1934, Page 12

NEW FARES FOR TAXIS

SCALE ADOPTED BY COUNCIL

SOME CRITICISM OF THE PROPOSALS

The new scale of fares for the hire of taxi-cabs was adopted by the Christchurch City Council last evening, after a fairly long debate. An amendment that the proposals be referred back to the by-laws committee was withdrawn. The recommendations of the gpecial sub-cemmittee of the bylaws committee which reviewed the table of fares lo be charged for the hire of cabs and motor-cabs were as follows: — One to four passengers: two miles, Is Gd; 2i miles, Is lOd; 3 miles, 2s 2d; 3i miles, 2s 6d; 4 miles, 2s lOd; 44 miles, 3s 3d; 5 miles, 3s 6d; 5i miles, 3s lOd; 6 miles, 4s 2d; 6 J miles, 4s 6d; 7 miles, 4s lOd; 7£ miles, 5s 2d; 8 miles, 5s 6d. Five or more passengers: Two miles, 2s; and for every additional half-mile 6d.

The committee recommended that the regulations come into force on October 17.

An Objection

The following letter was received from Mr C. S. Trillo, of Gold Band Taxis:—"Please note that, being the largest taxi proprietor in Christchurch, I object to the fixing of minimum taxi fares, as it will kill the business instead of improving it. Why not treat the taxi business the same as the milk business bv leaving it to those who are interested parties?"

Odd Pence in Fares

Cr. E. H. Andrews said he "thought the suggestions ludicrous in some instances. Fares running into tenpences and twopences were unnecessary. The fares included mileage for two-way service, which he thought was an undesirable innovation.

Support for the contention of Ct\ Andrews concerning odd pence was given by Cr. E. R. McCombs. She referred to the Wellington regulation which was effective and simple and did not require an elaborate scale of charges. "I think the whole thing is silly,' Cr. T, Andrews added after supporting Crs. E. H. Andrews and McCombs,

Cr. Hayward's Criticism As a member of the committee making the recommendations Cr. W. Hayward said that he hart agreed with the report but wished to object to odd pence. He also could not see how it was fair to carry four passengers at the same price as one. Fare and a-haif should be charged for hire from midnight to 6 a.m., and extra charge should also be made for hiil work. The committee had listened to too many tales. The committeehad decided to base its scale on 9d a mile, but finally the decision had been based on 8d a mile. The treatment of taxi-drivers in Christchurch had been scandalous in the past, but the proposed scale was not going to result in the improved conditions all desired.

Amendment Moved Because of the criticism Cr. F. T. Evans moved that the recommendations be referred back to the committee. Cr. J. K. Archer said that the statements made had been unfair to himself. Apparently Cr. Hayward had been storing up the burden of his protest for the council meeting. The only pressure on the committee had been that of reasonable and permissible argument. The report was in agreement with the opinion of all the taxi-drivers of Christchurch, except Mr C. S. TrilJo. Representatives of various companies had been heard. Unless the council was very careful it would « be playing into the hands of Mr Trillo. the only objector. Of course, Cr. Hayward's remarks should be included as objections. With one exception the Wellington scale was on a higher basis than that suggested for Christ - church. There was need to act quickly or many men would lose their means of livelihood. Cr. Evans asked leave to withdraw his amendment because of Cr. Archer's explanation. Cr. Hayward left the chamber ■while the vote was taken because of his association with a city taxi firm. The resolution was adopted unanimously.