Stella Cycle Works, C. T. Jessep and Co., of Temuka, (near Timaru), was established in July 1899 by Charles Jessep and Raymond Every. In October 1901 they produced New Zealand's first motorcycle, powered by a 1¼ h.p. Minerva engine which had been imported by A.G. Healing.
"On July 10,1901 A.G. Healing & Co. of Christchurch, reported that they had ordered a motor cycle to the order of a client..."
"The first arrival of a class of bicycle which in a few years promises to become as common as the modern safety , made its debut in public on Monday week at the Canterbury Athletic and Cycling Club's evening carnival at Lancaster Park. The motor is a 'Minerva', constructed after the De Dion pattern, and was imported by A.G. Healing and Co. to the order of Messrs Jessop and Every, of the Stella Cycle Works, Temuka."
~ The Wheelman
See also Wood of Timaru .
Article on the Stella and Wood. Well worthwhile. New Zealand's First Successful Motorcycle
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Beaded Wheels.
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