AN AUTOMATIC CAB REGISTER.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1974, 29 June 1900, Page 6

AN AUTOMATIC CAB REGISTER.

THE FARE DETERMINED

The precise point at which justice ends and generositv begins in the dealings between cabmen and "fare" usually admits of a wide ditference of opinion. The dnlicultv, it is said, has been overcome by meaiis of an instrument known as the taxameter, which records the proper charge to be made upon the user of a cab, and into the composition of which there enters no idea of unjust gain or sentiment of dishonesty : nothing, in fact, but an impartial adherence to the truth. The taxameter, after a vigorous struggle in London against the opposition of the Gab-drivers and (Jabowners' Union, forced its merits upon cite recognition of the public, and eventually earned itself the regard of the cab-owners and cab - drivers themselves. The fact of being able to appeal to an instrument which is as uncapable of telling an untruth as George-Washington restored public confidence in such a, way as to prove of advantage to all parties," while the driver had no reason to complain of the tips over and above the fare given by the customer, who paid as much without losing his temper. The invention, which is to be introduced into Melbourne by a syndicate, has been covered by a score of patents, and is largely used in Europe and America. It indicates to the prospective fare whether the cab is free or engaged, and on the dial are recorded the distance of the run and the fare to be paid, according to any tariff required. The customer travels by time if he wishes, in which case the amount of the fare jumps up hi the dial at stated intervals by means of a clockwork arrangement: or he may prefer to pay according to distance, in which case the taxameter assumes the role of a cyclometer, and measures out the miles with unfailing accuracy.