Ariel Cycle & Motor Works, 114 Nicholson Street, Footscray. The firm was established by J. Anderson in 1905 (or perhaps a little earlier), who branded Healing machines as his own between 1911 and 1916.
The firm was later owned by Messers. Roberts and Smart - Roberts had worked with Healings for many years. Branches were opened in Malvern and Richmond, and they marketed Ariel-JAP motorcycles in 1921. Motorcycle production ceased in 1925 as Healing were no longer supplying components. That year they advertised that Ariel bicycles, built in Australia, had won a six day race in Chicago, gaining 1st, 2nd and 5th places at the hands of American champions Fred Spencer, Harris Horder and Harry Horan. These too were re-badged Healing bicycles.
Later the firm moved to 225 Barkly Street, Footscray, and they continued to produce cycles until at least 1958.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) 25 Mar 1916
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) Tue 30 Dec 1919
Sources:Simon Fleming; Trove NLA; arielcycles.me.uk; VCCSA.
N.B.
1. The Ariel Precision c.1914 pictured has been identified as having Sun frame components. The correspondent surmises that in this case the machine is not derived from Healing's.
2. Several firms used the Ariel marque.
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