“The Press” In 1864

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30511, 5 August 1964, Page 16

“The Press” In 1864

August 5 CAB FARES SIR,—I see an article in today’s Standard respecting the enormous charges made by the cabmen of this city, which 1 think is very unjust to the small body of cabmen here, which is only three. Two out of the three run for the same fares as near as they possibly can. The fares are the same as they were in the first day the cabs commenced —3s 6d, any part of town, or 5s per hour for people making calls within town; out of town, according to agreement As regards receiving insolence, we can flatly deny it As regards a certain person being ill-used near the Prince of Wales, we state it was not a cabman at all. As for the extortion-

ate rate of 10s per week being demanded, it is out of the question; if we make 10s per week, I think it a first rate week. It is also stated that a lady engaged a cab to convey her to the theatre and wait until it was over: that 1 contradict The bargain was—l was to take her at seven o'clock and return at 10 o'clock; instead of that it crept on to be from 11 to 12 o’clock instead of 10, to say nothing about taking three or four more passengers at the same rate—that was 6s per night. I think it would take many 6s to amount to £lOO. as stated in the Standard. The poor cabman had no other chance left to get another fare after the said lady broke her agreement, as all the

people were gone, and that was the cause of cabby declining the offer, as 1 lost many very good fares through it 1 stated that 1 should be glad to take her if not engaged. As for the cabmen making a fine thing of it, L for one, can say very candidly I am worse off than the day I commenced. I am, etc., THE FIRST CABMAN.

THE STEEPLECHASE. —To-day the event of the Maiden Steeplechase is to take place on Mr Wakefield’s farm at 2.30 p.m. Some pretty stiff fences and water jumps will test the powers and pluck of horses and riders. The widest water jump is, we understand, about 11 feet in width.