THE GYCLING PROSECUTIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9398, 26 March 1898, Page 2

THE GYCLING PROSECUTIONS.

TO THE EDITOB. ' ' Sib,— As the proceedings re above were not fully reported, and as so large a portion of the community, both male and female are cyclists, I ask you to in their interests to publish the following : During tha early part of the summer the River Bank Road wa3 like a shingle bed and impassable to cyclists, then the road was remetalled ; during the whole of the summer, by consent, the cyclists have used the foothpath. Quite suddenly the police show energy, and lie in wait for unwary breakers of the Borough bye-laws, ' with the result that I was summoned to • the court for having ridden on the footpath on Friday 18th inst. On this day 1 may mention the road was a perfect quagmire. I was stated to have Been on the footpath ; I say I was on the road. " A, I was not charged with riding furiouslyi nor was I alleged to have caused in con- " venience to anyone. I submit. that if the "' police wanted convictions the fairest way would have been to have taken those streets that are passable ; then if riders rode on the footpath they deserve punishment. The action in my case savors very much of a trap, aud is more like persecution than prosecution. I submit, sir, that as the Council make the roads and the bye-laws, it; is. only reasonable to ask that bsfore requesting the police to proseonte footpath riders, they should put their roads in order. As stated by the sergeant yesterday, it appears that it is necessary for complaints to be made before his*department takes action. Well, Mr Sergeant, here are a fow. Have you ever seen cattle straying about the streets of the Borough ? Have you ever seen carts backed across '\ the footpath ? Have you ever seen heaps"' of firewood and coal lying on the footpath ? Have you ever seen trucks, wheelbarrows, etc., wheeled upon the footpath ? When you have straightened up these little matters I will give you a further list ; and by the time all is smooth, and those burgesses in gaol who cannot nfford to pay their fines, then will be the time to pack up for Klondyke or Glory ville, for Wanganui will be a very good place— to live out of. — I am, etc., Saynob Griffiths, Consul Cyclists' Touring Club. Maroh 26th, 1898.