BICYCLE THEFTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 July 1939, Page 2

BICYCLE THEFTS

ARGUMENT FOR REGISTRATION

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCHURCH, July 17.

More than two bicycles, on an average, were stolen in Christchurch each day last year. The total figure for the year ended' December 31 last, was 798. For the six months ended' June 30 last, there were a further 355 thefts. These figures were quoted by the Minister (Mr. Semple) to-day in support of his contention that a. form of registration of bicycles l ’is 1 necessary. The figures showed a further point in support of the case for registration, the Minister said. In the year ended December 31 last, 175 bicycles' recovered by the authoritie's were unclaimed by their oiwners. A further 120 were unclaimed during the;six months ended June 30 last. Mr. Semple said that these figures in themselvesi were a sufficient argument in favour of registration. It was a measure that should bo welcomed by cyclists and local authorities alike.

Although no legislation to cover the registration of bicycles has yet been drafted, it is 'believed to be likely that, when the measure is’ prepared, it will include a provision that the initial registration will serve for all time, no annual renewal being required.