Taxi-Drivers’ Maimers

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32050, 26 July 1969, Page 12

Taxi-Drivers’ Maimers

Sir,—-1 agree wholeheartedly with P. Mitchell regarding the lack of maimers of local taxi-drivers. Besides un- • necessary horn-blowing, their general slothful attitude is not to be commended. I will concede, though, that occas-' ionally they will lean across the seat and push the back ; door open for one. I imagine that, being all owner-drivers, they make their own rules, which apparently leads to their varied casual dress, even to wearing shorts. Tbe immaculate condition of the majority of their cars, however, must surely be a condition of their being granted a licence, as it is in direct contrast to their other exhibited characteristics. It is high time that persons giving a service to the public pulled their socks up, but not just to reduce the area of bare leg below their shorts.—Yours, etc., “SHIEL B. WRIGHT.” July 18, 1969. [Mr J. M. Doody, president of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Taxi Proprietors’ Federation, replies: “I would be happy to let your correspondent peruse a- number of letters from welfare organisations, as well as from individuals, including overseas visitors, expressing thanks for the courtesy and kindness received from Christchurch taxi-drivers. Regarding the wearing of shorts, this innovation, approved by file taxi organisations, has received favourable comment from many people, obviously with a more modern outlook tiiat, ‘Shiel B. Wright*, May I atai correct the statement , that all drivers are owners? I A large number are pennan- ■ ent or casual employees.”! , Collectors Abased ■ Sir,—After feeding of Mr ■ Guthrey’a “kidnapping,” I I have been disappointed by the r response and statements of t some people as to the value of tiie w«* A fete dedicated , youto are trying to do. Cerr tainty we have many collec- > tious and appeals, but how s many do we have for youth i organisations? Very many - young people are involved in - collections for other organisai tions (usually sponsored by s adults who cannot get adult ■ support), but many adults 1 complain about the activities i of tiie younger generation and 1 wonder why nothing is done i for this section of tbe com- > munity. When it all boils down, only a small minority s of adults are prepared to do i anything at all. The des rogatory remarks addressed r to the collectors, particularly I from the retail trade, shows 5 little concern for the efforts of this age group who repre-l

sent a fair percentage of their trade and consequent profit Congratulations to the Mayor for his support of the scheme. —Yours, etc., ONLY A TEEN-AGER. July 24, 1969.

Sir,—l read with disgust of the treatment received by some young collectors from certain business men tn Christchurch yesterday. Lack of backbone in some, and man’s inhumanity to man in many, are typical of the pleasant (?) characteristics of invertebrates. However, 1 have great faith in the younger generation who appear to have tolerance and imagination, and if we “oldies” continue to demonstrate our lack of both these qualities, they may even develop strong vertebrae to tackle the ghastly mess we will be leaving them. —Yours, etc., ONE OF THE OLDIES. July 24, 1969.