CYCLING SUPERB.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16507, 26 April 1919, Page 11

CYCLING SUPERB.

THE BELL ESTABLISHMENT

TEE 1319 INDIAN

Tho new mnioivcyrlc showroom am garage recently erected . Ijy the bell dvcle and Motor fo, in Lichhfld ttrcat marks another city improvement, and also another step iu the forward polirj of the firm. . Commencing from small beginnings in 1893, the builders of the Bell Cycle soon became famous in racing circlos, and as time went on. the excellence- of tho machine was demonstrated by tlie number of wins secured on both track and road. Amongst the best-known riders of the Bell nrre J.?ck Arnsfc, Dick Arnst, AY. Arnst. Fnuler Smith. A. Birch. Geo. Smith, A. Huvnm Perry Humro, Harold Henderson, Jack Coulter, V. R. Coulter, and Jack Clark. Tho list of Bell riders includes a whole host of other ohsimnions. T'le famous Timaru to Chxistchurch road race, the big event for nil rniid-rarmg men, lias been Avon manv lime* on Lno , " eU; whilst tho coveted honour of fastest time has l>ren secured on many occasions. For many years, tne firm continued to improve on their product, and such was their success that the annual output for many years was in the vicinity of 000 machines. In this connexion it is worthy of note that tho Bell Company has for very many years be e n the largest retail importers of B.S.A. fittings. As it believed in employing local industry wherever possible, the Bell cycles were all locally built from genuine B.S.A. fittings, and in spite of the difficulty during tho last five years of securing genuine B.S.A. parts, this policy has been adhered to. Buyers all the world over wore instructed to secure B.S.A. fittings at any cost, the Bell Co. realising that their previous policy must be maintained. The result is shown in the large output of these machines during the" war period, customers having to place their orders promptly to ensure getting delivery in a reasonable time. By concentrating on the building of new machines, these difficulties hare been overcome, and the would-be purchaser can now select a machine to sir.t him from the well-assorted stock on hand. RECORDS. Jack Arnst: — April 14th, 1909, Dunedin, 12.21. April 28th, Timaru, .1.50. 190(5:— Four New Zealand riders on Bells at Waeru. < 1910 :— W. Arnst ... ... 1 Smiler Smith ... ••• 2 j! Sutherland ... ... 1. J. Prebblo 2 H. Cook % 3 H. Henderson ... F.I. Realising that the motor-cycle was the coming means of locomotion, both for business and pleasure, the Bell Cycle and Motor Co., some three years ago, took over the agency for the famous Indian Motor-cycle. Tho result of their progressive policy may be noted in tho number of Indians now to be seen on tho roads in and about Christchurch, the famous Powerplus dominating all other makes of motor-cycles. Amongst the users may he mentioned :

Public "Works Department (3 machines). . Hospital Hoard (2 machines). "Sun" Office. "Press" Office. T. Mason, Fish "Dealer. Ashby Burgh and Co. Roht* Francis, Ltd. "Webley, Sons, and Gofton. And a number of other prominent firms and private riders. Unfortunately, the war demand has been so great that a i vast number of orders have had to be refused, because of the firm's inability to secure machines. An interesting return just issued by the U.S. Quartermaster's Department shows that 46,535 motor-cycles were actually taken over by the War Department during the war, of which 31,600 were Indians. Of the 10,0-15 motorcycles in use on the European front at the cessation of hostilities, 5401 were Indians. These facts speak for themselves, anil will explain why many would-be Indian riders have had to bo content with an older model, as now ones have been practically unprocurable. Full supplies, however, are now coming to hand, and Indian enthusiasts ar© looking forward to the 1919 model Small advance shipments have already been received, and tbo model has been acclaimed the best ever turned out. The position with regard to Indian spare parts is now considerably improved. Owing to the fact that the U.S. Government commandoared nractically the whole of the factory's stock, some warts have been practically unprocurable, but advicn has now been received that several bank orders havn be°n shipped, and from now on there should be no difficulty in supplying all parts required. .The new homo of the Bsll Cycles and Indian Motor-cycles is worthy of famous machines, and is wll worth inspection. The spacious showroom, with largo show windows facing on 'to Lichfield stroot, opposite Strantre's, is a notable addition to tho city's business places, and lias a very attractive appearance. At tho rear of the showroom is the best-eqiiipnerl nnd most no-to-date motor-cyclo workshon in New Zealand. Some twenty employees aro always busy i" it. All appliances arn iiu-fco-dato, anrl cu. s tomprs learnod that work performed in the 801 l workshop is dependable. The proprietors extend a hearty invitation to all interested to inspect their new premises.