Hats off

Press, 20 February 1986, Page 12

Hats off

Sir,—A motor-cyclist is aware of bias against him by the public. The staff in the better retail shops, civic and Government officials are only a few of the people almost muttering “bikie” when one appears in road gear. Recently I, a superannuitant and motor-cyclist, experienced a new “low” in attitude. The branch of a bank I have patronised for years has allowed its tellers to ask motor-cyclists not to wear helmets inside. Time was when .tellers were friendly people who established courteous and often happy rapport with the client. Now, it seems, the possibility that the helmet-clad patron is this week’s robber is their immediate reaction. Try to cope with hand luggage, helmet, cheque or pass cards and one can have a laboured time at a teller’s counter. Perhaps it is time for bankers to establish drivethrough armour-plated facilities to accommodate nervous tellers and disillusioned clients. — Yours, etc., J. GRAHAM B. DOWIE. February 10, 1986. [A spokesman for the New Zealand Bankers’ Association replies: “We are unable to comment on the policies of individual banks, but the police suggested to the association some time ago that crash helmets should not be permitted to be’ worn inside bank premises. However, such a request could not legally be enforced and it was then suggested that banks should advise staff to be alert and wary should anyone enter bank premises wearing a crash helmet Armed robbery is becoming more prevalent and it is only prudent for staff to be aware of potential problems and to take steps to avoid them if possible. It appears that the teller concerned in your correspondent’s case was trying to be helpful to avoid possible embarrassment for him on future occasions.”]