Remarks on bikies challenged

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33425, 5 January 1974, Page 10

Remarks on bikies challenged

(From Our Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, January 4. Remarks made by the chairman of the Christchurch branch of the National Association of Priests (the Rev. J. Consedine) on the mass arrest of bikies were challenged yesterday by Mr P. Blanchfield, member of Parliament for West Coast.

Father Consedine had said that the mass arrest of motor-cyclists in Christchurch contained disturbing features, and an element of hysteria which had surrounded such groups since j the present Government had' made the term “ban the? bikies” a catch-cry at the, last General Election. Mr Blanchfield said yesterday that he considered Father Consedine’s remarks “illconsidered and ill-timed.” “I would assure Father Consedine that he is not speaking for the diverse Catholic people I meet in all parts of both islands who have been alarmed at the growing social evil of mobile gangsterism,” said Mr Blanchfield. “I advise him to confer with the sisters in charge of the elderly folk at O’Conor Home, Westport, to Hearn of the zooming tactics of the bikies in their delightful grounds. “Father Consedine has no jright to speak for hundreds iof thousands of his flock in New Zealand,” said Mr ! Blanchfield, “but I claim to sneak on behalf of the New 'Zealand Labour Party, which is having its first opportunity in 12 months to put into 'practice its policy on law and. order as laid down in its' i manifesto.” 1

This policy, said Mr Blanchfield, was: To meet by positive action the mounting toll of personal injury and property damage caused by vandals, hooligans, and stand-over bullies. To establish youth development centres to which selected offenders would be sent for a short period of discipline and training. To deprive hooligans and other criminals of their motor-cycles or vehicles, proceeds from the disposal of such property to be applied to restitution or compensation.