WHANGAREI TAXIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 11

WHANGAREI TAXIS

AUTHORITY HOLDS INQUIRY DIFFERENTIATION IN FARES [l*'RoM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] "WHANGAREI, Friday Du ring the visit of the No. 1 Licensing authority, Mr. E. J. Phelan, to Whangarei, evidence was taken on the question of solving the taxi problems of Whangarei and a report will be forwarded by the authority to the [Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple Mr. P. K. Trimmer, on behalf of 21 licensees, stated that the differentiation in fares as between large and small cars should be eliminated, and the number of licences should be limited. He contended that the present number of licences in Whangarei, namely 26, was too great. Mr. 1). L. Ross, appearing on behalf of the holder of five licences, contended that the small cars were a great convenience to single passengers and business men, the bus service not being adequate to cater for such needs. His client wanted a limitation of licences, but was opposed to increasing fares or doing away with the differentiation between large and small cars. Mr. L. A. Johnson, representing the bus companies, referred to the injury small taxis were inflicting on tho business of buses.

Plielan expressed the opinion that it was not too late to arrive at an amicable settlement, but if this -was not done then the big stick must be used. The Mayor said there had been very little trouble in Whangarei with taxis during the past 18 months, and the bus services had also been satisfactory.