“GANG” MEETS ADULTS TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29389, 16 December 1960, Page 18

“GANG” MEETS ADULTS TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS

‘The Press” Special Service

AUCKLAND, Dec. 15. About 20 members of an Auckland motor-cycle “gang,” the “Sandringham Road Angels,” have discussed their _ problems and needs with a group of adults in the city last night. The discussion was arranged by Mr J, H. Rhodes, and a group of parents who called the meeting which discussed the problem of juvenile delinquency in the Town Hall some weeks ago. The “gang” members appointed their own chairman, Mr D. Green, the captain of the gang, and told the adults that if certain facilities could somehow be provided, they were sure that some members of other gangs, such as the “Del Rios,” “Hell’s Angels,” “King Cobras,” and what remained of “The Saints” and “The Tigers” groups would finally rally around and join in one large teen-age group. They said they wanted something different in the way of facilities. “Many of us have powerful machines,” Mr Green said. “They

were made for three-figure work (more than 100 miles an hour) and frankly, its dangerous to keep some of them down to 30 miles an hour. The road restrictions are real restrictions.”

A general discussion on their needs, brought the following suggestions:— A speed track (circular) and a drag track (acceleration strip) “somewhere where people won’t complain about the noise”; a garage where teenagers could take their tools and machines and help one another with repairs and tuning; a dance hall and amenities for the girl members (there were three at the meeting); and all the amenities, included in a youth centre. They named the things they said they did not want: too much religion (“we don’t mind some, but we get sick of it being jammed down our throats”), and too much interference from adults. It was agreed that a second meeting should be held early in the New Year to discuss a more definite programme of bringing teen-agers together.