CYCLES CANNOT BE SOLD

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23513, 16 December 1941, Page 8

CYCLES CANNOT BE SOLD

GOVERNMENT ORDER TO DEALERS

The demand lor bicycles, accentuated by the petrol restrictions, met a sudden check early yesterday afternoon, when dealers received orders from the Government not to sell their stocks. The order, which affects new and second-hand men’s bicycles was applied by the Industries and Commerce Department, under the War Regulations. The explanation given by an officer of the department to “The Press” yesterday was that the Army wanted a certain number of men’s bicyc.es, and in the meantime all stocks were being withheld from sale. , „ x The cycle trade understands that the position in the meantime is that no men’s bicycles can be sold until a survey is conducted of the stocks in the country—w'hich, it is stated, are lower than normal because of import restrictions. It is thought possible that a few machines may later be released for sale to the public. . The demand for bicycles, a.ways big before Christmas in Christchurch, was bigger still in the last few days, because of the restrictions on petrol, and after yesterday’s embargo was applied about midday, many dealers had regretfully to turn aw-ay cash clients whose orders a few hours before w'ould have been eagerly filled. It is not known yet how soon it will be before dea ers know w'hether they can sell any of their stocks of men’s machines. The present position is that the window displays of the big cycle shops in Christchurch and elsewhere are. until further and indefinite notice, out of the power of the public to purchase.