police regulations. He has no compunction in overcharging, the scale of fares fixed by the police being utterly disregarded by both the man and his customer, and only refer-
A PALANQUIN AND ITS BEARERS.
red to when they elect to bring their dispute over fares before the police. The fare is always higgled over before riding, and as they walk the while, often long distances are covered before they come to terms. The jinrikisha-man, like the palanquin-bearer, also asks for drink-money over and above the stipulated fare, especially if he is kept waiting at a tea-house or is engaged for a pleasure-trip.
The police authorities have made frequent attempts to bring the jinrikisha-man effectually under control and prevent his evil practices, such as claiming more fare than had been at first agreed upon, threatening to put down his female customers on the road unless he is given drink-money, or taking country people on a circuitous route in order to overcharge them. The police regulations for the guidance of the jinrikisha-man dwell upon the necessity of licenses and annual jinrikisha inspection, give directions for the build and colour of the jinrikisha and its appurtenances,
