TAXIS cruising around Hong Kong's streets displaying an ''Out of Service'' sign are too familiar a sight.

Recently I even saw two taxis with such a sign up at the taxi-stand at the airport and, despite the presence of police officers, they were trying to select their passengers and destinations.

Many letters about this problem have been published in your paper but I can't remember having seen a reply from the proper authorities. I believe that if the Government issues 1,000 new taxi licences these practices would cease.