Rail-Cars in Other Countries.

Asked regarding the latest rail-car developments in other countries, Mr. Mackley said that he found in Queensland petrol rail-units in service all over that State, there being in use at the time of his visit 54 power units and 94 trailers, ranging in passenger-carrying capacity from 26 to 57 passengers, and with from 45 to 150 horse-power. Several additional units were also under construction in the railway shops at Ipswich.

“It was the experience of the Queensland railway administration,” said Mr. Mackley, “that in every district where these rail-cars were installed they became most popular with the travelling public, who were enthusiastic in their appreciation of the quick, clean, and comfortable transit provided. More particularly was this so on the branch lines on which the passenger traffic had of necessity been catered for previously by slow mixed trains, due to the business being insufficient to warrant the provisions of a steam passenger service.

“As a result of experience with the Department's own rail-car and from the appeal this unit made to the large body of railwaymen and outside people who inspected it, the Board is convinced that the same satisfactory results will be obtained by the introduction of petrol rail-units into this country as has been experienced in Queens-land, and that the bulk of the passenger business will be encouraged to utilize the more comfortable, cleaner, faster, and more frequent passenger services offered by this latest method of transport by rail-car.”

Mr. Mackley also referred to the success of rail-cars in other countries, mentioning particularly Great Britain and Italy.