Taxi Industry Social Service

Northern Advocate, 11 August 1948, Page 3

Taxi Industry Social Service

WELLINGTON, Wed, (Sp.).—There should be a guarantee that taxis were available when they were needed, except, ul' course, in bad weather, when everybody wanted one at the same lime. The Minister of Transport (Mr Hackett) said this during the debate oji the Transport Law Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives last night. : The taxi industry, he said, was a I social service and should be worked for 24 hours a day. I “We believe that some kind of roster j system is necessary," Mr Hackett continued. There had been quite a lot of “pirating." Operators often only came out at the peak hours and consumed their petrol allowance in taking people to and from the picture theatres, meet ! ing trains and dnmg a couple of nrivate calls for regular clients. I That was the only time they were I seen on (he road. ROSTER SYSTEM WANTED Members of the industry were so keen to retain It on its present economic equilibrium that they wanted some kind of roster system. They realised that, unless something was done io discipline drivers the demand for more taxis would be so great, that the industry might be Hooded. Then the men would sleep in their taxis, as they used to in days gone by. and become a danger to themselves and to the public. Mr T. E. Skinner (G— Tamaki) sug- ! gested there should be something in ! Hie provisions of taxi licences to pro- ; vide that drivers should report to their ' office immediately on reaching a ] stand. '