BICYCLES STOLEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23401, 18 July 1939, Page 10

BICYCLES STOLEN

CIIRISTCHURCH THEFTS TWO EACH DAY LAST YEAR REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL [by TELEGRAPH— PRESS association] CHRISTCHURCH, Monday More than two bicycles on an average wore 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 of Transport, the Hon. ll.' Scrapie, to-day in support of his contention that some form of registration of bicycles is necessary. The figures, ho said, showed a further point in support of the case for registration. The Minister said that in the year ended December 31 last 175 bicycles recovered by the authorities were unclaimed by their owners. A further 120 were unclaimed during the six months ended June 30 last. "These figures in themselves are a sufficient argument in favour of registration," added Mr. Scmple. "It is a measure that should be welcomed by the cyclists and local authorities alike." Although no legislation to cover the registration of bicycles has yet been drafted, it is believed likely that when the measure is prepared it will include the provision that initial registration will serve for all time, no annual renewal being required. WANGANUI OFFENDER SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION'] WANGANUI. Monday A farm labourer, John Charles Beecher, aged 24, was sentenced to six months' hard labour on charges involving the theft of bicycles, spare wheels and tyres of motor-cars, ■ a saddle and petrol. The bicycles were stolen in Wanganui when accused was employed in Waverley and sold there, the numbers being removed.