THE AMERICAN COACH FACTORY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5005, 9 April 1877, Page 3

THE AMERICAN COACH FACTORY.

Wellington is indebted to the enterprise of Mr. Black, proprietor of the Wellington Coach Factory, for the introduction of some of the latest improvements in the coach-building trade ; and no one can inspect the business premises in Courtenay-place without arriving at the conclusion that that gentleman has turned his recent visit to Philadelphia to good account from a business point of view. Conspicuous among the importations is a large coach, capable of seating thirty-five inside passengers. It is called a picnic, and is certainly a splendid vehicle, being fitted with every attention to comfort. As may be imagined, it is commodious, whilst it is sufficiently light to require not more than two horses to draw it on a level road. Mr. Black has also imported a “sulky,” which, it may be stated for the benefit of the uninitiated, is a vehicle used for racing in trotting matches. It consists simply of a pair of wheels and shafts, with a seat for the driver, and a loop on each shaft in which to place the feet. These vehicles are in common use in Victoria and other of the Australian colonies, but are a novelty in Wellington. Mr. Black has one put together which weighs 70 pounds, and he has material for some others which will weigh not more than 40 pounds, so that it will be easily understood that there is nothing superfluous in their construe - tion. In addition to the aforementioned there stands in the factory a really magnificent carriage, landau lette, the fittings in which are quite wonderful to contemplate. It is an American made carriage, and the ingenuity of the Yankee has evidently been exerted to the utmost limits in the direction of providing every conceivable convenience. Upon the doors alone immense labor has been expended, the inside being fitted up with card case,_ pockets, etc., whilst the blinds are worked with patent rollers ; and another feature is that the doors are opened, the steps, which are lined inside with carpet, unfold by themselves. And it may be added that the general appearance of the vehicle is very elegant. Mr. Black has made very large additions to his stock, such as a large quantity of maleable castings, ash timber, etc. The firm may be congratuhated on their enterprising spirit, and as the city is daily increasing in size, we have little doubt of their being rewarded, as they deserve to be, by success in their business.