BLACK FLAG AT DAWN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19832, 30 December 1927, Page 9

BLACK FLAG AT DAWN.

TAXICABS' " FUNERAL." PROCESSION IN SYDNEY. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] SYDNEY. Deo. 22. As the first streaks of grey appeared in the dawn yesterday morning, a line of blue and checker taxicabs slowly passed through the city streets. On the leading car a black flag fluttered in the breeze, and the procession moved at a funeral pace. Other taxicab drivers waiting sleepily on their stands watched the "cortege" slowly approach, and as the black-flagged car came abreast, reverent lv removed their hats. A lone policeman stared in amazement at the strange spectacle, and somewhat furtively touched his cap in salute. So the procession wound through the streets. It was a mock funeral held by the drivers of the blue and checker taxicabs. who, because of increased operating costs, will be out of employment, as chauffeurs. The firm is selling its cabs to tho drivers on terms. A co-operative scheme has been evolved and the driver-owners, although they have ceased to be employees, and to that extent have been thrown out. of employment, are still hoping to reap a harvest during the Christmas and New Year holiday season.