• A CURE FOR DEPRESSION Sir,

I was interested to read the article concerning the present depressing state of motoring.

Fortunately a way still exists for those who wish to sample the thrill of real motoring without being able to afford a Berlinetta, Maserati G.T., or an E-Type. A large motorcycle is still fun to ride being endowed with the performance and “feel” of the best cars, whilst requiring a high degree of skill from the rider. Although we own a chromium-plated Luton mediocrity, both my wife and I obtain an increasing amount of pleasure from motorcycles.

Like many of your readers we are often puzzled by the police and officialdom, to whom, conditioned no doubt by the sensational Press, the word ” motorcycle ” produces an even greater opposition reflex than does “sports cars.”

Indeed the aim of Mr. Marples and his kind seems to be to grind down the motorist by taxes and legislation, to an anonymous conformity; the enthusiast being an unsuitable social type who must be eliminated.

Many thanks for your excellent, outspoken magazine.

Hebden Bridge. G. W. BARKER.