SERVICE TO WHARF

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 32516, 13 December 1944, Page 7

SERVICE TO WHARF

LICENCES FOR TAXIS

REQUEST TO AUTHORITY

POSITION IN COROMANDEL

The county chairman, Mr Ernest Deeble, waited on the Transport Licensing Authority, Mr E. J. -Phelan when he was in Coromandel on Friday, December 1, 1944, on behalf of the people of Coromandel township to ask if it could be arranged 1 to have inaugurated a passenger service between the township, and the Coromandel wharf using the taxi cars that are at present licensed. Mr Deeble pointed out that for 4Q years past the firm of Denize Bros, had maintained some service, always meeting the boats that ply between Coromandel and Auckland. That firm had always charged a fare of Is per head, but under the present transport regulations such a service would have to be licensed 1 and as the number to be transported would not warrant any one firm or individual providing a bus and obtaining a licence as such, he suggested that perhaps the Licensing Authority could grant a licence to the taxis operating to conduct this service as a taxicab service.

If such a recognised service could be licensed or provided for then the following conditions could- apply-:— 1. That all taxicabs plying-between the wharf and places within two miles from the wharf when engaged in taking passengers to or from the boat

■be charged, individual fares of Isi per person per mile, or proportionate part thereof, with an minimum of Is. Timetable to be in conformity with the published boat timetable. ■2. That the granting of a seasonal or special licence be granted l in respect of other vehicles which could be temporarily fitted with seats' to accommodate a number of people, such vehicle to be allowed to charge individual fares as taxi, perhaps, a slightly lower rate per mile. That for the holiday season special authority be granted to enable the taxi or other licensed vehicle to operate between the township and Long Bay Park Domain at an individual fare of not exceeding say Is. Mr Phelan complimented Mr Deeble on the way the case had been set out. He realised l that the request was reasonable and right and that some way of fixing the matter would, be found. He further stated he was very pleased at being in Coromandel that day and regretted' his stay was ; so short. However, .he had that morning been as far as the wharf and appreciated to the full the needl for the service asked for. . Mr Phelan intimated that the operators would have to apply for the licence in the usual way and he had no doubt that all the requests made would be granted.

Mr .E. Deeble thanked Mr Phelan for his understanding approach and helpfulness in this 1 and trusted the time would not be ■ long before he ■would be able to again visit. Coromandel and stay for a longer period.

Further Coromandel News will be found on pages 3, 6 and 8.