TO FACE WEST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23887, 15 August 1939, Page 15

TO FACE WEST

TAXIS IN RATTRAY STREET CR HENDERSON'S PREDICAMENT TILT AT " VESTED PROPRIETARY INTERESTS " Whether the taxis in the Bank of New Zealand rank in Rattray street should face east or west was the subject of a fairly lengthy, discussion at last night's meeting of the City Council. The question arose when Cr Henderson rose to move the adoption of the general section of the General Committee's report. In doing so he stated that he was in the awkward position of having to move the adoption of a report which contained a clause to which he was strongly opposed. While he, as chairman, had to move the adoption of the report, he said that he felt very strongly about the proposal to allow taxis to face in a westerly direction in Rattray street. Breach of Regulations "While it might have been good enough in the past, it is not good enough now," said Cr Henderson. "Traffic has increased considerably in the past few years, and the present proposal isa breach of the Government's traffic regulations. There are 11 taxis on the rank, but only five can be accommodated in Rattray street, and the other six will have to stand in High street. If the taxis in Rattray street are allowed to face west, then those in High street will face south-west, with private cars parked north-east. The taxis could be parked quite well on the other side of Rattray street." Cr Connolly: What about the piecart? " Yes, I was coming to it," replied Cr Henderson. "It, like the taxis, represents vested proprietary interests, and we shall have trouble with it. Cargill's Monument will have to come but of the roadway some day, and then we shall have trouble getting rid of the piecart. I am quite sure the piecart will have to go some day soon." Cr Henderson then moved the adoption of the clause, Cr Borrie seconding the motion. " Backs to Bread and Butter " "This is a matter that affects the livelihood of the men," said Cr Smith "For a month they have loyally stood by the council in giving a month's, trial to the proposal to face east. They have stood with their backs to their bread and butter, so to speak, and their figures dropped 33 1-3 per cent, during the month. Of the 10 men on the rank, four of them have been on the stand for from 30 to 40 years, and I think the council owes them some consideration." The committee's recommendation that the taxis face west and that steps be taken gradually to eliminate the rank was carried. Cr Connolly later moved an amendment that the clause concerning the elimination of the rank be referred back to the committee. He stated that the men had rendered service to the public over a long period of years, and they were entitled to some goodwill should they wish to retire or sell out. Cr Munro seconded the amendment, which was defeated.