OFFICIAL WIRELESS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 November 1928, Page 6

OFFICIAL WIRELESS

SHOW AT OLVAII’TA

GOOD .MARKETS IN AFRICA AND ASIA.

(British Official Wireless.)

RUG BA', November 5

Sir William Joynsmi-I lirks. tin* Homo Secretary, opened tin* cycle and motor cycle show at Olympia to-day. He said that the motor-cycle industry was one-of tbe few bright spots in British trade at present. In 1925 Britain exported Ki.bOO motor-cycles, in 1027 52,800, and in the first nine months of this year just under 50,1)09. In regard to what were termed push bicycles, wo exported in 1925 27(5,000, m 1927 288,000, and so Tar this year 2-18,500. Production was consistently going up, and t his year at least 120,()()() motorcycles and 800,000 pedal cycles would be made. Imports were neglible, which showed bow the British cycle industry dominated the world.

All over Asia and Africa the native races were taking to the push bicycle. The market was thereby 100.000.000. He suggested more and more organisa-. tion of these markets, which would not only be profitable to cycle inanulacturers, but would give more employment to the workers ol the .Midlands.

The show provides’indeed a remarkable example of the tremendous strides made by the motor-cycle industry. At one extreme are motor cycles costing mini), superb in mechanical engineering and design, guaranteed to travel at 100 miles an hour. At the other exfreme is a machine costing £2O only, but a vci'v line one even at that figure. In between are machines adapted to all tastes and purses.