CABMEN AND THEIR FARES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9625, 27 September 1911, Page 5

CABMEN AND THEIR FARES.

• Two complaints against cabmen were received by the Borough Council last night. The first was from a lady, who wrote stating that she had been over-charged; the fare obtained from her was 15s, whereas the legal charge was 9s.

Graham, the cabnan in question, waited on the meeting, and said he received the engagement by telephone, and 'it lasted from half-past twelve, counting the time he was employed in getting the cab ready. The engagement was a special one, being connected with a funeral. It was about two o'clock when lie called for the passenger. He could not take any other engagements between half-past twelve and two o'clock, and he charged for the time taken up. Johnston, another cabman, said lie had been approached for the funeral about twenty minutes to two, and ho passed the order on to the stand, as lie was not free. The special charge for a funeral was 15s, on account of livery and other considerations. Cr. McCarty likened the position to a contractor getting his teams ready and being paid for the time taken up, but the suggestion did not meet with the support of Councillors. Mr J. M. Johnston forwarded ''a second complaint as to a cabman re fusing to talce him, although the vehicle Avas on the rank. Stephenson, a cabman, stated that he hafl been engaged by another person half an hour before the train came in and there was not time to take a. .further fare. : ' The Mayor pointed out that the' driver had no right to refuse an engagement while his vehicle was on the cab rank. Stephenson stated that he had been instructed by the police not to leave the rank till liis fare came off the station. He offered- to show Mr Johnston that he (the' cabman) was engaged if he waited. Other cabmen were present, and gave evidence as to the incident. The Mayor said the Council had no desire to do any injustice to the cabmen. Later it was resolved that Graham be called upon to refund 6s overcharged ; otherwise legal proceedings would be taken. With regard to Mr J. M. Johnston's complaint, it was decided that the cabman be written to to the effect that he had committed a technical breach of the by-laws, and that their provisions also be brought before the police. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr. Nathan, that all cab proprietors be requested to have ])osted in their vehicles a placard setting out the fares, and that the inspector be instructed to see that this is carried out.