Taxi Federation Seeks Amended Contract Law

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31154, 2 September 1966, Page 6

Taxi Federation Seeks Amended Contract Law

tFrom Our Own Reporter) TIMARU. September 1.

The Taxi Proprietors’ Federation wants a “reasonable” excuse acceptable as defence when an organisation is prosecuted for failing to ensure fulfilment of a hire contract. The federation, at its annual conference today, empowered its incoming council to send a deputation to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition seeking a change in the legislation accordingly. The Commissioner of Transport (Mr R. J. Polaschek) was asked by Mr A. Sinclair (Auckland) whether he would recommend that amending legislation be introduced. The Transport Department’s enforcement of the law would be reasonable, said Mr Polaschek. Mr J. R. Wilkinson (Hutt Valley) said any further approach to the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) would be of no value. “After November he will be retiring, (and, in this case, we have to go to the Prime Minister, because we feel something was put over us during the machinery part of getting the legislation put through,” said Mr Wilkinson.

“We should keep our fingers crossed, and try to expedite a change of Government,” said Mr G. L. V. Hunter (Auckland). “Let us not be silly,” said

Mr Polaschek. “We have different views on the importance i and significance of transport, and what is proper, and what is not. “I believe it would be desirable that there should be more freedom and more regular consultation between the industry and the department than in the past, and I am prepared to arrange a twomonthly appointment with your executive." The president. (Mr K. R. Martin): “This latest move of yours will bring us closer together.” “The sooner the Minister goes back to his back-country farm, the better for us. Good riddance to him when he is out,” said Mr R. Hopkins (Wellington). A voice: “There* is still the department.” >