SALOON CARS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1929, Page 3

SALOON CARS

FOR WEST COAST LINE

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 16

Saloon railway carriages are known to most New Zealanders only by means of the moving picture, for whilst most other countries have these modern adjuncts to travel, chair seats have represented tlie highest standard available in New Zealand. By Easter, however, Christchurch residents will be r< ble to see real saloon ears on tlie South Island railways, according to a statement made 'by the General Manager, Mr H. H .Sterling, to a reporter yesterday.

He said that lie had in mind the matter of improving the standard o.‘ day cars, and it was the intention of the Department to put two saloonparlour ears into service in the South Island. He had been led to believe that these would be appreciated by long-distance passengers who, lie ielt. would be quite willing to pay a small additional fee for the added comfort and greater freedom ol movement that these cars would provide. The cars, of which there would be two, would probably be placed in service on the Christchureli-Giv.vmoutli line, one running each way. If ii was found that there was a real demand for them, lie added, the idea would lie extended to other long-distance trains. It is hoped to have both cars Toady for the Easter traffic. Two ol the present main-line carriages will be converted for this service at the Addington Workshops.

Mr Sterling was asked if it was the intention of tile Department to build sleeping cars of a similar type to those in use in the North Island tor the South Island night train service.

He answered that it was the generally expressed opinion that the present cars were meeting tTio need excellently. “I have been absolutely surprised at the difference in the demand hero and in the North Island.” ho said. “In the North Island there is a demand for the transverse type of ear. while the South Island is almost unanimously in favour of tlio longitudinal type.”