Our Cabmen.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7079, 3 February 1891, Page 3

Our Cabmen.

TO THE EDITOK. Sik, — Tho city authorities, when issuing licenses to cabmen, Bliould consider more than the men's ability to drive. Some among their number are above suspicion, but others are wilfully negligent of their duties ; they look upon the public as their legitimate prey. An instance of this occurred a day or two ago, when I could not find the cabman I generally patronise and who has always given mo correct information and satisfaction. Hailing another at -1.52 p.m. in Cathedral square, I asked him to drive me to the North train. He fiaid, " All right," and was about to drivo me to Papanui to catch it. I Biopped him, and he assured me that the train started at five minutes to five, and he could only catch it by driving me to Papanui. Fortunately a gentleman passing heard this, and, speaking to tho cabman in a censorial tone of voice, said, "Go on now, you know very well the train does not Etart till five, you've ample time to catch it." The cabman was foiled in his attempt to get a big fare ocfc of me, and I caught the train easily at a cost of Is. Through you, Sir, I desire to thank that gentleman. — I am, &C, TRAVELLER. Temperance Mission — The first of a series oflectureß in the Oddfellows' Ha3l, Lichfield street, was given last night. The hall was well filled. The chair was taken by the Rev It. Taylor, who explained the objects of the mission. Mr Knolfc delivered portions of the late J. B. Gough's celebrated lecture, " The Power of Habit," to which he added some original remarks and anecdotes in which the evils of moderate drinking wero exposed. A choir, uuderMr H. Corrick, contributed some of Sankej'B hymns. At the close of the lecture a collection wbb made to defray expenses. Toj night Mr Knott will deliver a lecture J entitled " A Peep Behind the Scones." "