REQUEST FOR TAXI LICENSE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6153, 10 August 1921, Page 6

REQUEST FOR TAXI LICENSE.

LITTLER’S APPEAL TO COUNCIL. MAYOR TO INTERVIEW POLICE INSPECTOR, An application was received by the Borough Council last evening from Alan F. Littler for a public taxi driver’s license, and also a petition in support, supported by a number of wellknown residents. ' The Mayor said the matter had been fully threshed out before the Magistrate, and it was necessary before granting a license that the police inspector’s recommendation must be obtained. He could say at once that it was not favorable. If they ignored the police and granted a license would they be doing the right thing? Cr. Coleman said he agreed with the Mayor but- he hoped Littler would not be made a 'victim’ because he had done wrong in the past. He hoped the reporting authorities would report on his present, and not on his past. Cr. DeCosta said he agreed with the Mayor, but he hoped the Council would give Littler a chance. The petition was signed by some leading,men of the town. (The speaker read the names.) He suggested that Littler should put in an application in three months’ time. On the face of' the police report they could not give Littler a license, but in three months’ time the police might see their way to give him a good report. He moved in that direction.

Cr. Gray suggested that the Council should make further inquiries into the matter. The man might have turned over a new leaf. He thought they should inquire and give him a chance. He was a married man with dependant:,.

Cr. Todd suggested that the Mayor should see the police authorities and ask if there was anything against Littler for the past six months. If so, it would be wrong to overrule the police. Cr DeCosta asked leave to withdraw his motion and permission was granted

The Mayor said he would interview Inspector Cassells. The Council must be governed by the police. If the police would recommend a .probationary license for three months then the Council could grant a license under those conditions. He would put the case before Inspector Cassells and they could deal with the application at the next meeting of the Council. The Mayor’s suggestion was made into a motion and carried.