CAB-DRIVERS’ LICENSES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8441, 29 May 1913, Page 10

CAB-DRIVERS’ LICENSES

ALLEGED LAXITY OP MUNICIPAL CONTROL. Special to the “ Times.”

CHRISTCHURCH, May 28. According to a police official m high authority in Christchurch the control exercised over cab drivers in the city is ’too lax, and some alteration is urgently necessary. Cab drivers, he said, ■were arrested and convicted for drunkenness while on their cabs, but still no step was taken by the municipal au-' jthorities to cancel licenses. “It must be remembered,” he continued, “that these cab drivers in plying for hire, are placed in a position of responsibility. The safety of life and limb is in their hands, and while they have fares in their conveyances they are in positions of trust, Again, while they axe driving in the thoroughfares, they may endanger the lives of citizens. This is recognised by the municipalities, who seek to obtain some measure of control by the issuing of licenses, but unless the license is supported by the strict supervision of the council it becomes practically worthless. The cab service in Christchurch has been remarkable throughout the Dominion for its excellence, and a few men by their misbehaviour easily bring the entire service into disfavour. It becomes necessary, therefore, foriho council to step in, and to protect the public as well as- deserving men. Tho of strict supervision has been shown in Auckland. “Some years ago the northern city had a cab service that was disgraceful, but steps were taken to improve it. The City Council commenced to make its licenses worth holding. Only men who were of good character and sober habits were regarded as fitted to hold licenses as drivers, and in one case where the aspirant was a stranger I*l the Dominion, inquiries were made in, the Old Country as to his antecedents before ho was permitted to hold the citv’s authority to ply for hire. Whenever a man was convicted of drunkenness he was suspended, and drunken cabmen quickly found that the city declined to have them on the city ranks. The result was that the Auckland cab service was improved wonderfully, and now stands as one of the best in Australasia as far as the behaviour of its drivers is concerned. _ “The same steps are required m Christchurch if the service is to be maintained at a high standard Strict supervision would also assist to stop a class of trade m connection with undesirable resorts.”