TO THE EDITOR

Opotiki News, Volume X, Issue 1050, 28 November 1947, Page 2

TO THE EDITOR

CONCERNING MOTOR-CYCLES Sir, —Before calling: attention to any one particular section. I would like “Enquirer” to consider the entire picture of petrol consumption, on land, sea, and air. AH petrol consumers have been requested to make a voluntary reduction of 10 per cent. Is it not fair •j.o assume that motor ' cyclists arc as honest in their attitude to this request as any other consumer 1 111 reference .to “useless missions”, I would like to state that the main endeavour of my club is directed towards “Road Safety”. The object of all our organised competitions is to produce a road user of the highest qualifications. Other road users would do well to follow our lead.

Last week-end, for instance, the club made a very instructive run to Waimana, with a total petrol consumption of less than a. thiid of a gallon per person. The members learnt how to maintain and recognise a good safe average speed and at the-same time applied to their riding all the rules of the road code on which they have had several lectures.

As far as noise is concerned, all (he organised club events are held a<s far away from the built up area as possible, Thanking vou for valuable space. B. ANDERSON, ' Secretary T.M.C.C.

Sir, —The letter by “Enquirer” in your last paper rather intrigued me iu view of the report of the motor-cycle trial in the same issue. How “'Enquirer” counected up the motor-cycles used in the trial as being these which interfered with the Church services is rather a mystery. Nine machines took part in the trial and as they started at 10 a.m. leaving- at 5-minutc intervals they would be well out of town by the time church commenced. I certainly was not disturbed in church my motor-cycles but i must- say an

aeroplane which roared over the town several times during the services did kick up a terrific din. So why malign the poor motor-cyclist ! As for wasting petrol why not prohibit- the use of cigarette-lighters and a few other things if we arc going to be so canny,. Motor-cyc-lists are entitled to their ration to use as they like the same as any car-owncr who might desire to take a Sunday jaunt. I detest motor-cycles which make unnecessary noise but here the cure is in the hands of our local inspector who can compel an owner of an unduly noisy machine to make it reasonably quiet. Sonic cars and trucks in this district arc not above reproach when it comes to noise and also speed. It is all to the good that the motor-cycle club has been formed as young “hot-heads”

are in need of a little restraining influence. We must be fair to all legitimate motorists. I think “Enquirer” owes an apology to .the local club which was evidently not the offender. I wonder why he did .not mention the aeroplane which created such a disturbance during service-time ? FAIR PLAY.