Two-Wheel Topics

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32321, 12 June 1970, Page 14

Two-Wheel Topics

(By

R. O. DEW)

MEETING in Wellington ■* this week is a body of men with the interests of motor-cycling and motorcyclists very much at heart —the motor-cycle section of the New Zealand Retail Motor Trade Association. Their main interest in this facet of transport must be a business one but they do not confine their activities to those concerning potential profits. Many of the organisation's 132 members devote a lot of time and energy to motor-cycling matters which are completely divorced from business. One of the main projects of the organisation at present is the production of a suitable booklet emphasising safety on motor-cyeles, similar to those produced by some Japanese manufacturers. The idea is to give a copy of the booklet to everybody who purchases a new motor-cycle or scooter. The booklet will be produced with the co-operation

of the Transport Department Christchurch Chairman The chairman of the motor-cycle section is Mr D. N. Cresswell, of Christchurch. He has held this position for the last, six years. As a section chairman, he automatically has a place on the Dominion executive of the retail trade association. One of the items high on the list of discussion for the motor-cycle section this week was the proposed removal of import licensing on motor-cycles by the Government at the end of this month.

Whether or not motorcycles will be freed from import licensing will depend largely on the strength of any objections, which had to be lodged by the end of last month. However, Mr Cresswell is reasonably confident that the licensing laws will be relaxed in relation to motor-cycles. He is not quite so sure when the burden will be lifted. "I think that there is every prospect that the proposal will go through,” Mr Cresswell said earlier this week before leaving for Wellington. He said that his organisation was in favour of lifting the restrictions, in spite of the possibility of increased competition. “We are not afraid of competition. We have had it before. There will be the rats and mice but they will not last long.” Mr Cresswell envisages no great problems if motorcycles are freed from import restrictions. “A lot of new makes might come into the country but most of them will not last.” Tail-piece “Society is closing in on people and motor-cycles provide an escape.’’—The “Motorman” magazine in an article on “Doing the TwoWheel Bit.”