NEW TAXI LICENCE GRANTED

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23714, 12 August 1942, Page 5

NEW TAXI LICENCE GRANTED

AUTHORITY’S DECISION

The first new taxi licence to be granted by the Metropolitan Licensing Authority in Christchurch was granted at a sitting of the authority to Mr James T. York, who had applied for a licence last month. The application had been held over for consideration and Mr york had been instructed to try to purchase an existing licence meanwhile. Mr York reported that two existing licences were available to him at prices ranging from £2OO to £3OO above the price of the cab concerned. He submitted that he would not be able to launch a new business with such high initial cost above the price of a cab. Cr, H. E. Denton: I strongly object to the trafficking that is done in cab licences, which are the property of the council and not of the licensees. It is ridiculous that all this speculating should go on. I believe some drivers count on making more out of selling their cabs and their licences and goodwill than out of their actual business. The council should not be a party to it. The chairman (Mr E. H. Andrews): Well, what do you suggest? Cr. Denton: Grant him the licence. Cr. H. P. Donald; And what do we do next week if someone else applies for a licence? The chairman: We’ll have to consider each case on its merits. The new licence was approved. The authority’s proposal to alter motor-cab passenger service licences to allow for a higher charge (fid a mile) to be made where the car journey was more than three miles by the nearest route from Cathedral square, was abandoned after discussion. The proposal was made and advertised last month after an application for such an alteration had been made by Rink Taxis. Ltd., to whom the”alteration was granted. Yesterday representatives of Blue Star Taxis. Ltd., and Gold Band Taxis. Ltd., appeared before the authority and expressed (heir disapproval of the change. They said there would be constant argument between the drivers and (he employers, and the drivers and the passengers concerned over the three miles limit, Cr. H. E. Denton: I was not present at the meeting which decided to approve the application and make this general proposal. I should have opposed it strenuously and I do oppose it now. It would mean simply that the taxi proprietor would gain on the swings as well as the roundabouts. It was decided that Blue Star Taxis. Ltd., and Gold Band Taxis, Ltd., should continue their business at the present charges. The application of Mr W. W. C. Wright to transfer his passenger service licence to Mr J. M. Doody was approved.