TAXI INQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1936, Page 6

TAXI INQUIRY

i ——-<»* j DUNEDIN EVIDENCE HEARD : v. ,-j —••• Per : Press Copyright. DUNEDIN, Oct. 6. The Taxi and Carrying Trade Inquiry Committee commenced its Dunedin sitting this morning. The first witness was Herbert James Hastie, manager of the Gold Band Service Go., and 'Red Band Taxis, who stated that his firm employed drivers on commission. He considered that on the basis of present demand, seventy taxis, under proper control, could cope with the hire demand, whereas at present there were twenty companies and stands representing 120 vehicles. He suggested the following reforms : .Limitation of. ; taxis- on a population basis ; the regulation of drivers’ Hours;; compulsory wages; the prohibition of commission or shareholding ; j the standardisation of fares on a remunerative basis; standard requirements of fitness for driver and vehicle; the right to quote trips at a price Per passenger.

Witness stated that on an average, commission paid to their drivers ovei a period of 140 weeks, was £4 6s lod weekly. Their average hours was quite possibly ninety. FURTHER EVIDENCE HEARD DUNEDIN, October 7. The taxi inquiry committe heard further evidence this morning. A. G. Hunt, of Roslyn Taxis, suggested charging for the carriage of luggage. In order to limit the numbers of taxis, witness suggested the establishment of depots in certain;. UH-v tricts. Then, when business warranted, the fleet of any depot could;, ho increased. w

.. Roy Patrick Steel, who founded the Gold Star Taxis, and ' introduced; reduced fares and commission payment for drivers on the basis of 33 1-3 pei cent, stated the average earning of drivers was £5 or £5 10s weekly, working 146 to 160 hours fortnightly. He thought "the fares charged gave a reasonable return. An increase would be distastrous, as fewer people would then he using taxis, with resuU rant unemployment. He opposed the limitation of taxis as leading to monopolies. He would favour "eguiar hours and fixed wages if they had;universal application.