TRAFFIC CHAOS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23221, 15 December 1938, Page 16

TRAFFIC CHAOS

TAXIS IN MELBOUKNE 500 PARKED AT PARLIAMENT DRIVERS' DEMONSTRATION ALLEGED CUTTING OF FARES By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received December 1-1, 11.'JO p.m.) MELBOURNE. Dec. 14 About 500 taxi-drivers caused traffic confusion in the eastern end of the city to-day when they parked their cabs unattended outside Par liament House, while the men assembled at Parliament steps as a demonstration against taxi control methods. The drivers' grievance is that certain taxi companies operating from garages and not plying for hire are not bound by the city taxi regulations, fixing fares at 9d a mile. The men claim that 6d a mile is charged by these companies, undermining wages conditions. Wild traffic confusion reigned for two hours as the police endeavoured without success to.clear the parked cabs. They took the numbers with the view to prosecution. All registered cabs from suburban ranks were called in to take part in the demonstration. A representative called the Premier, Mr. A. A. Dunstan, from his lunch and lie promised consideration oi the question. There was more confusion after the demonstration as the drivers endeavoured to extricate their cabs and resume work.