GREYMOUTH TAXIS

Grey River Argus, 11 July 1945, Page 5

GREYMOUTH TAXIS

PROGRESS LEAGUE’S REPORT The matter of adequate taxi service in Greymouth was again discussed last night at the monthly meeting of the Council of the Westland Dstrict Progress League. A report, prepared by Messrs G. R. Harker and J. Saunders read:— (1) We, are satisfied that Traffic Inspector Ramsay has made numerous test telephone calls to check the attention given by taxi proprietors to the taxi using public. (2) Traffic Inspector Ramsay is listed in three places in the telephone directory viz., under Transport Department in the Government list; under his own name in the alphabetical list, and also under Traffic Inspector in the alphabetical list, so any complainant should have no difficulty in contacting ‘the Inspector. (3) We are satisfied that the central office, which observes the following hours, viz., Monday to Friday, 8.30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 8.30 a.m. to 11 pan.; Sunday, 1.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. attends to public requirements satisfactorily. (4) We are satisfied that much of the alleged dissatisfaction conies about through the inconsiderateness of the taxi requiring public, in many Instances, in leaving their calls for taxis until the last minute. This refers to those cases where it is known hours beforehand that a taxi will be required to meet friends arriving oy train, etc. This class of service can be made 100 per cent, satisfactory if taxi users will, exercise some thought and make their wants known in advance. (5) We are satisfied that the taxi proprietors, during 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. give adequate and proper attention to cases of sickness‘and maternity where the caller, in ringing the exchange advises the attenaant that the taxi is required for an urgent sickness case. (6) Kennedy Bros. Limited have intimated their wilingness to endeavour to arrange the transfer of one ’phone on their party line, to the home of one of the active members of their firm. (7) There are at least two taxis available for passengers arriving by the Christchurch railcar, and unless the late arrival of this car interferes with orders for the Westport railcar, there appears to us to be no cause for complaint regarding this service. (8) Consideration of the Leagues suggestion that two members of the League (those suggested by the League being Messrs G. D. Smart and G. R. Harker) be attached to the Taxi Control Committee is to be given by all of the taxi proprietors, and the League will be advised of tne result. (9) ‘As those present at the meeting constituted tne proprietors of ten of the thirteen licensed taxis we feel that a much better understanding will be the result of our lengthy conference.