THE CABMEN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9090, 29 April 1890, Page 6

THE CABMEN.

BOYCOTTING THE STATION. For some years past the cabmen of Christchurch have had a grievance against the constable at the Railway Station, alleging that his conduct towards them has been arbitrary, partial and unfair. On several occasions there have been cases in Court against them, and not long since, on the occasion of one of these being heard, the Resident Magistrate expressed the opinion that such trivial charges were not of sufficient importance to be brought into the Court. The cabmen have also on a previous occasion urged the removal of Constable Kelly, giving their reasons for the application. Yesterday morning, however, they brought matters to a decisive point, by joining together to boycott the railway cab ranks in toto . It has always been the case that from an early hour there was a good supply of both classes of cabs on both ranks, viz., that on the South belt aud tho one inside the railway enclosure. Yesterday only three cabs occupied either rank at all, but these were soon urged to leave it, and two or three men, who have taken up the matter, watched them, so that when a cabman from another rank remained there, he was told of the proceedings and left, as there is a consensus of opinion with the men on the question. The cabmen have written to the Railway Commissioners and the City Council, expressing their intention to remain away from these two x - auks till something definite is done. They insist upon Constable Kelly’s removal from the station, and threaten to remain away till he is removed. They admit the necessity for a strict officer being in charge of the station, but wish for an impartial man. Meanwhile, the Railway Traffic Manager, in the interests of the public, placed himself in communication with the Manager of the Tramways, with a view to having cars run to the station, who subsequently was able to supply one car on condition that the Railway Department would guarantee the cost o*. the same, which was done. But at the same time the inconvenience to the travelling public is very considerable, as though the trams do run, it merely means a second transfer on arrival at the city, and a cab to the destination. As is a long list of passengers to arrive today by two steamers, and & number of Masonic, clerical and other visitors are toarrivein town forthis week’s Masonic and ecclesiastical displays, it is to be hoped that the matter in dispute will soon bo settled. As a rule, from sixteen to twenty hansoms and ten to fourteen four-wheelers meet the" express each evening, and there are twenty cabs of both kinds that regularly ply for hire from the Railway Station ranks. Daring yesterday Mr Garstin expressed a wish to meet a deputation of the cabmen, providing they consisted of those who had not been fined or had in any way come in contact with the constable in the execution of hia duty. The cabmen naturally resented this, as it is due to those who have been in contact with that official that the trouble has arisen. After some consultation with their confreres , however, a deputation of four, who bear a clean sheet, wailed on Mr Garstin, and, having had some conversation with gentleman, promised him an answer this morning. They subsequently met a majority of their comrades, and the answer to bo sent will be brief and decisive, viz., that the station ranks will nob he used while Constable Kelly remains on duty at the station. Arrangements have also been made to provide funds for any of the number whose daily bread depends on their earnings from that stand. In connection with this matter, we have received the following letter from the Secretary to the cabmen: —

TO TEE EDITOE. " s; r Through your paper allow us to solicit the public aid. We cabmen have declined to ply for hire on the railway cabstand. First, Because, summonses have been issued without our having a word of warning from the constable, and the information has not been laid by the constable until some weeks have elapsed, whereby a cabman has no chance of making a defence. Any man working the stand is liable to have a blue paper slipped into his hand without knowing what it is for until he reads it. Surely a constable, when stationed in Christchurch, can lay his informations within twenty-four hours. We trust, sir, tbat the public of Ciirißtcburch. will assist us in our struggles for simple truth and justice. Wewould a^so desire, to thank the Manager of the Tramway Company for his courtesy in assisting our movement by not running trams during the dispute.”