The Carriages Described.

The first-class carriages are designed to give travellers ample room and comfort. The very latest style in armchairs is provided, these being furnished in rich blue moquette, of very serviceable texture, making a striking contrast with the silver-plated seating frames. The chairs can be easily adjusted to three different positions. The interior decorations are all of choice and beautifully polished New Zealand timbers. One heard the remark passed that it would be almost desecration to cover these artistic furnishings with advertisements, as is done on other trains. The windows (with the exception of width), the heating and ventilation, and the electric lights (excepting the small reading lamps) are much the same as those installed in the observation car. In each first-class carriage is a bird-cage compartment to seat six persons. These may be reserved for persons desiring privacy while travelling. Except with regard to the seating accommodation, there is no difference in the design of the second-class carriages.

The aristocrat of new zealand Trains
(Photo, W. W. Stewart.)
The Auckland-Rotorua “Limited Express” on the Parnell Bank, Auckland.

page 19 The armchairs are covered with imitation leather of pleasing tone, but there is slightly less cushioned ease in the upholstery than in that of the first-class seats. However, the comfort facilities provided are a wonderful improvement on those of other cars. The exteriors of all the carriages are finished in Vitron enamel panels of Midland Lake Red.

To ensure smooth running, all springs used are specially tempered, and the bogeys of longer wheel-base than in use on other carriages. To minimise side shocks, which are experienced when rounding curves or travelling over crossings, these bogeys are also fitted with bolster buffers. By an ingenious contrivance the water supply is controlled from underneath each carriage, where it is contained in tanks of high capacity. Raised by means of air pressure of from seven to ten pounds per square inch, it passes through a heater governed by steam from the locomotive. Thus a supply of hot water, sufficient for the lavatory basin throughout the trip, is maintained.

Another interesting contrivance is an easily operated emergency brake, connected with the Westinghouse brake and fitted inside each carriage. One other feature is the new automatic couplings, manipulated by a lever, from the side of the carriage. These are designed to ensure absolute safety, not only to passengers, but also to shunters, whenever the latter are called upon to detach cars.

These are the most striking features of the new “Wonder Trains.” Although I have copious notes about places of interest passed on the way to Rotorua, I find that I have used all the space allotted me in describing (very imperfectly perhaps) the splendid arrangements of these new expresses, and must, therefore, eliminate all reference to the prosperous butter factories and the amazingly successful development of the country passed through (en route to Rotorua). Our express reached its destination at scheduled time, its arrival being enthusiastically greeted by a large crowd, whose interest and pride in the magnificent train was manifest on all sides.