TAXI STAND PATROL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25302, 12 August 1943, Page 4

TAXI STAND PATROL

PROTECTION OF DRIVERS TROUBLE CAUSED BY FEW SERVICEMEN (P.A.) v WELLINGTON, Aug. 11.. Action for the protection of taxidrivers, which was promised by the Minister of Transport, Mr J. OBrien, yesterday, has been advanced a step with the holding of a conference of representatives of the police, the United States Marine Corps, the Wellington Taxi . Control Committee, the Commissioner, of Transport, and the taxi companies operating in Wellington. The committee expressed the opinion that some of,, the statements made about the attacks ontaxi-dr.ivers were exaggerated, but that there was sufficient evidence showing that drivers had been assaulted and cabs damaged to warrant steps being taken to protect the drivers and the cabs. To this end the taxi proprietors agreed that the taxi stands should be patrolled by United States Marine Corps provosts, traffic inspectors, and the police during the rush periods. Mr O’Brien said it was anticipated that this action would control the small minority of unruly, servicemen, and he added that the great majority had shown that they could conduct themselves like gentlemen, and were welcome guests in the best homes in the Dominion.