’Cycling Notes

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 6, 6 May 1893, Page 10

’Cycling Notes

(By Wheelman.)

Probably very few of the public have any conception of the importance which the ’cycle manufacturing industry has reached in this colony. Our Christchurch manufacturers can fairly claim to lead Australasia, and further, they can justly claim that their productions are equal to the very best imported, and in most cases superior. In fact the New Zea-land-made machine is rapidly finding favour with ’cyclists as being best adapted to our roads, whilst its solidity, elegance of design, and finish also recommend it. The rapid strides this industry has made in Christchurch during the last four or five years is simply phenomenal. . This season there have been no less than four large factories, employing from 10 to 50 hands each, kept going full steam, besides other smaller makers, and still they have been unable to keep pace with their orders, so great has been the demand, This must be a source of great satisfaction to those who are continually crying out for the establishment of manufactures in this colony, and they have a fine opportunity of proving their patriotism by lending their influence and support in favour of an industry which promises to be one of the most important that has yet found a footing in Maoriland. Foremost in the ranks of New Zealand manufacturers are the firm of Adams, Curtis and Co., makers of the famed Star Safeties, samples of which may be seen on the premises of their local agent, Mr R. W. Jones. These machines are commanding a very ready sale. A large number are already in use here, and considering the value given, there cannot be the slightest excuse for giving the local make the go by. The fact that the makers are, so to speak, on the spot to hold responsible for any defects there may be, should be a great recommendation alone. Guarantees are given with all the best machines. In connection with the foregoing it may be mentioned that the same firm have just supplied the United Druids, Christchurch, with three machines for their art union, and that the Football Union have ordered one and the City Band two for their art unions. In the two latter cases the machines will be specially built.

According to The Eield the National ’Cyclists’ Union are to be asked to express an opinion upon a licensing scheme designed to attack some of the abuses that have arisen in amateur sport in connection with the employment of racing men by bicycle manufacturers. It provides for the licensing by the Union of all amateurs who can make a declaration that they receive no pay or emolument from any maker or other person or firm connected with the trade for riding races. Erom time to time, remarks an English

paper, cases occur in which people jeopardise the lives and limbs of bicyclists by endeavouring abruptly to stop their progress. Whatever offence a rider may have committed, no one is justified in putting him in personal danger to secure his detention or name and address. The 7 illegality of such a proceeding has often been laid down in the courts of law, and was lately emphasised at Wrexham, where a workman was awarded £3 14s from a county council roadman who had overthrown the plaintiff as he was riding along the footpath from work by thrusting a shovel into his machine. During last year attention was drawn in Britain to the inconsistency and injustice of compelling bicycles and tricycles to carry lights at night while other vehicles wore exempt from the obligation. Now that wheelmen have become a powerful body a desire is evinced to abolish the invidious distinction, and a bill has been introduced into the House of Commons to make compulsory the carriage of lights by all vehicles using the highways at night.