DRIVER PUNISHED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23078, 1 July 1938, Page 10

DRIVER PUNISHED

CITY TAXI OPERATOR ■ • X' CANCELLATION OF LICENCES OVER-CHARGING ALLEGATIONS Following allegations by a woman resident of Beresford Street that she had been ovcr-cliarged by a taxidriver and that his conduct toward her was improper and his manner threatening, the City Council last night decided to cancel for one month |hi public motor vehicle driving licence and a motor-cab licence in respect of a driver. A, report from the Public Safety Committee stated that the complainant had engaged a cab for a> trip from tho Vaverle.v Hotel to Shortlaud Street and thence to Beresford Street, the legal fare for the journey, not including waiting time, being 2s 6d. The passenger alleged that tho driver had asked for 4& as the fare and, upon her refusal to pay this amount, he had become abusive and had threatened to retain the luggage pending payment of tho full sum. The driver finally accepted 2s 6d and drove away, allegedly making the remark, "the next tim§ I see you I will bump you off." The committee stated that it heard the complainant, counsel for the driver and a witness for ( either side, and recommended the cancellation of the licences. In adopting the recommendation, with some discussion on the nature of the evidence presented to the committee, the council authorised the town clerk, Mr. J. Moiling, to re-issue the licences on application being made not earlier than one month from tho date of cancellation.