Reports On “Hell’s Angels” Criticised

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31124, 29 July 1966, Page 1

Reports On “Hell’s Angels” Criticised

Criticism of the New Zealand press and its attitude towards publicising the activities of the “Hell’s Angels” motor-cycle gang is contained in the annual report of the president of the New Zealand Auto Cycle Union (Mr C. J. Callender, of New Plymouth).

’ The report will be presented to the annual meeting of the union in Masterton on August 6 and 7. Mr Callender says that he has been very disturbed to read several articles in two or three newspapers on the “Hell’s Angels” gang. “Frankly, I was amazed that such articles could be printed and I consider it reflects gravely on the mentality of the reporters and the policy of editors to allow this. “Surely, it is obvious to them that this is just what the gang thrives on and the publicity will increase its membership immensely. “The power of the press is a very big thing and I suggest

that if newspapers had not made such a fanfare over this organisation’s activities for the last couple of years, it would not have developed into anywhere near the problem it is now. “What does concern me more than anything is that the articles and the N.Z.B.C. reports refer to ‘an Auckland motor-cycle club’ and our affiliated clubs are being associated with this group. “Our publicity officers would give their right arms to get the publicity afforded this group, which is not even an incorporated club and certainly does not do anything for the good of motor-cycling and road safety in New Zealand,” he says.