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Children's Essay Competition.
The Rail-Car R.M. 20 At Otira.
The Winning Essay
(Senior Division.)

(By Master Harry Madden).

When, in July last, the new type Rail-car, R.M. 20, in the course of its trial run between Christchurch and Hokitika, halted at Otira Station, an opportunity was afforded the pupils of the local school to pay a visit of inspection.

At the suggestion of Mr. G. H. Mackley, General Manager of Railways, Mr. W. H. Reeves, the Headmaster, conducted an essay competition amongst his pupils, entitled “The Rail-car.” The competition was divided into three divisions, Senior, Intermediate, and Junior, the winners in each receiving prizes donated by Mr. Mackley.

In the Senior Division the first prize was awarded to Harry Madden, and the second prize to Freda Winchester; Raymond Payne received first prize in the Intermediate Division, and Norli Le Feure first prize in the Junior Division.

There was great excitement in school when the teacher said we could go and see the new rail-car which had recently been completed at Wellington and was making its maiden trip from Christchurch to Hokitika. It was a beauty, all red and shiny with newness. R.M. 20 is painted on the side, but it would be better with a name. Rata would be a suitable name, for it is a colour of the rata when it is out. As the car stopped the railway officials stepped out, and the General Manager of Railways, Mr. Mackley, stepping out, talked cheerily to the children and gave them permission to have a look round the interior.

The boys showed more enthusiasm about the engine than any other part, but the girls liked more to sit on the comfortable seats which were fixed up along the sides and in the rear.

Seating accommodation is available for twenty-three persons including spare seats which folded up. Attached to every seat was a heater covered with carpet material. The floor was carpeted with linoleum. Also, the lights were covered with fancy cut glass.

The engine, which is of Diesel type, is one of the most amazing developments in railway design. It is driven on crude oil which is considerably cheaper and also is unexplodable.

There are two compartments and one of a lounge type. It is of interest to know that this vehicle is equipped for wireless, so that the people travelling will be able to listen-in.

This sumptuous car will be used for distributing the Press paper from district to district.

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