CITY’S TAXIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26491, 19 June 1947, Page 8

CITY’S TAXIS

QUESTION OF ADDITIONS LICENSING AUTHORITY Five new applications for taxi cab licences were heard by the Dunedin Metropolitan Licensing Authority at a sitting last night, and further evidence was submitted on behalf of eight other applicants whose cases had been adjourned. The findings of the authority will be announced at a later date. Each of the applicants was represented by counsel and cross-examinations were frequently of considerable length. Evidence of the difficulty of obtaining taxis was given by several of the applicants. Those applicants who are at present employed as taxi drivers stated that double-banking was a fairly frequent practice, although in most instances it was from the Railway Station, where the practice is permissible. It was stated by one witness that the reduction in fare allowable in such cases was not always given unless the driver was reminded of the position. Hugh Newall, manager of Dunedin Taxis, Ltd., stated that the industry had fallen off considerably in recent months. This was due to a number of reasons, including the greater amount of petrol available to private motorists, the improvement in the tyre position and the competition of City Corporation buses after dances. Running costs, repairs and labour had all increased, and he did not consider that there was room for more operators in Dunedin. During the month of April his own firm had run at a loss, and each month this year had showed a smaller return than the corresponding month last year. Cross-examined, he said that his firm had expanded and was not prepared to sell any of its cars in spite of the deterioration in conditions. The city had grown, but he did not think the public was using taxis as much as was the case some years ago. Corroborative evidence was given by Ambrose Winders, a private operator attached to the Victory Taxis organisation, and by Archibald Hunter Walker, one of the ex-servicemen offered a licence 18 months ago by Dunedin Taxis. . A Chief Traffic Inspector E. H. Barrett, who was called by the authority, said he considered the existing services adequate although he had bad more complaints in the last month than for a considerable time. Most of the complaints had proved to have some justification. Owing to the lateness of _ the hour the submissions of counsel, it was resolved, would be made in writing. It was urged, however, before the sitting concluded, that some move should be made to institute an official inquiry into the taxi service in Dunedin. The suggestion, which was originated by Mr A. J. H. Jeavons, was warmly supported by other counsel present. “The only voice we have not heard to-night is the voice of the man in the street.” commented Mr W. J. Meade.