‘Immobilise bikies,’ says Dr Finlay

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33064, 3 November 1972, Page 10

‘Immobilise bikies,’ says Dr Finlay

(N.Z. Press Association)

HAMILTON, Nov. 2.

It was no use simply deploring the existence of bikies in New Zealand—it was better to syphon the ‘“antisocialness” out of them, said Dr A. M. Finlay, the Labour Party’s spokesman on justice, last evening.

Dr Finlay, at a meeting at Tokaroa, told the 70 persons present that confiscation of motor-cycles, however, could be taken further than suggested recently. “Where a police officer sees conduct by a bikie which warrants his arrest, he might also immobilise the machine at the point of arrest. “I endorse that their danger rests in their mobility, and I would not be too greatly con-

cerned if the bikes were immobilised, and just left where persons were arrested.” In the light of recent reports of gangs of youths involved in organised motorcycle thefts, it would be interesting to see what would happen, Dr Finiay said. “When a charge came before a court and a conviction was made, it would then be an opportune time for the fate of the bike to be determined—whether it be confiscated as a penalty or there be some form of compensation made.” This would be one way to get a greater measure of protection throughout the country for the public, Dr Finlay said. He also said that there was an area of responsibility on the bikies part that might yet be tapped. “As well as trying to prevent harm, we should also do something about turning their external impulses into social purposes. Someone has to provide a place where they can do their

own thing in their own way,” Dr Finlay said. “As members of the public, we can be too quick to condemn them when we may be able to get something useful out of them. They have in the past shown themselves capable of kindness and charity to others.

“However, one can’t be be alarmed at the senseless maiming and damage done by some bikies,” Dr Finlay said. In a situation as seen in Alexandra recently, it would not have been inappropriate for the bikies’ machines to have been immobilised. The Commissioner of Police (Mr W. H. A. Sharp) said today that it was not part of the duty of the police, or even the privilege of the police, to impose punishment. That was a matter for the courts.

Mr Sharp said the police had always to be aware that they must negotiate in the grey area between allowing violence to escalate because they did too little, and escalating it themselves by overreacting. Asked whether the police required new powers to cope with motor-cycle gangs, Mr Sharp said existing legislation gave the police quite wide powers.

He thought it would be disastrous if the police were empowered to take action against any citizen before that person had committed an offence.

“No matter what powers we have, we can’t arrest anybody until evidence is available,” Mr Sharp said. “Most of the evidence must come from citizens. “The only real solution is a long-term one, and the interim solution is for society to indicate to these people very firmly that this sort of conduct won’t be tolerated.” Anglers warned Should there be heavy rain this week-end to coincide with the opening of the high-country fishing season, anglers moving in with caravans and boat-trailers should be warned of a danger on the roads from Acheron to Lakes Evelyn and Monk, said the secretary of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society (Mr H. B. Barker) yesterday. Recent road works and a slip could cause trouble if it rained, and care was needed in any case, he said.

Golf.—Jack Nicklaus, winner of six major tournaments and! $290,000 this season, has been; named “Golfer of the Year” by I the United States P.G.A. It isj the second time _ Nicklaus has been voted the title. He also l won it in 1967*