Hearing Of Applications For Taxi Licences Begins

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30868, 29 September 1965, Page 18

Hearing Of Applications For Taxi Licences Begins

The Transport Licensing Authority (Mr J. S. Haywood) yesterday began hearing applications for 33 new taxi service licences to operate in the Christchurch area.

The Authority will spend until next Friday examining the qualifications of 153 applicants who are residents of Christchurch, the surrounding districts, Dunedin and Mosgiel.

The first 39 applications were dealt with yesterday and 38 more will be heard today. The district officer of the Transport Department (Mr D. Hogan) and the manager of the Blue Star Taxi Company (Mr M. J. Malone) are attending the hearing to question applicants and advise the Authority. Applicants have one chance in five of being granted taxi licences.

They will be selected on the basis of character, financial stability, experience in taxi driving, health and age. Those selected by the Authority may then have to survive appeals lodged by other unsuccessful applicants or the taxi companies before the licences are finally approved. The taxi companies may appeal against the number of licences granted or against the suitability of successful applicants.

Unsuccessful applicants may appeal on the grounds that there were insufficient licences granted or that successful applicants were unsuitable. A final decision about the 33 successful applicants is expected from the Authority next week.