Govt makes grant to Epitaph Riders

Press, 29 July 1976, Page 2

Govt makes grant to Epitaph Riders

! The Epitaph Riders motor-cycle club of Christchurch is one of 10 groups which have received money from a new Government scheme. The club received $3OO, which will help it build a bunkhouse and a motorcycle workshop. The grants have been awarded under the youth involvement scheme of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. The scheme’s object, is to encourage young people to take part in community projects. Mr C. Jeffrey, a Christchurch social worker who is a member of the grants panel, said the money was recognition that the bikies were trying to improve their image and provide their own. community facilities. “I think any normal citizen would think that this was'

a rational and worthy thing' to do.” Other members of the panel include representatives of the National Youth Council, the Student Christian : Movement, the Girl Guides, the Department of Maori' Affairs, Young Farmers movement, and the New Zealand University Students' Association. Mr Jeffrey said the $3OO would be one-fifth of the cost of the project. The bunkhouse would be important: it would provide accomodation for other groups visiting Christchurch. The workshop would be for emergency repairs and could be used by motor-cyclists other than club members. The panel was impressed bv the project because of the motivation, initiative, and, teamwork of members, and the participation of young; people in the decision-making, and administration of the; project. Mr Jeffrey said.

’ Other Canterbury groups which have received money are: Mount Grey Downs, at Rangiora, half-way house for ; young men who have found difficulty in coping with' (society; and the Taua Mahi group, which has the backing of the Christchurch City .Council. the 6A drop-in centre, and Jhe Young Christian Workers, and provides |c< 'tract labour from a pool, of unemployed youths. The secretary of the youth) involvement, scheme (Mr T.i J. McDavitt) said that the' first projects presented to it demonstrated an awareness bv the groups of the problems; facing young people. The 10 projects assisted ( had the primary objects of providing recreational and job opportunities for youth, but the scheme is expected ;to cater for other groups in the community in the future, (according to the Ministry of Recreation and Sport.