LUXURY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 958, 29 April 1930, Page 10

LUXURY

New Rotorua Express Makes First Trip "LIKE A HOTEL LOUNGE” FRAXKTOX JUNCTION. Today. Reclining at ease on luxuriously upholstered seats and surrounded by the comforts of a modern hotel lounge passengers on the new Rotorua express found it difficult to realise that they were rushing along at 40 miles an hour. The countryside, softly draped in a veil of mist, flashed by in a series of lovely panoramas. But for the rhythmic thunder of the wheels it might have been a vast motion picture presented for the benefit of those who. vveie enjoying for the first time a journey on New Zealand’s most up-to-date train. At 7.10 this morning, the most luxuriously-appointed train in the Dominion set out from Auckland on its trial run to Rotorua and back. Among those who made the trip were Mr. G. PI. Sterling, Mr. E. Casey, Mr. F. T. Spidy, Mr. J. G-. Rickerby, Mr. I*. Robertson, Mr. J. K. Lowe, Mr. E. P. Moir, Mr. W. Sampson, Mr. F. Aitkin, Mr. A. W. Wellsted and Mr. J. Bell. From the distinctive chocolatecoloured lines of its exterior to the quiet dignity and luxury of the interior the Rotorua express is a tribute to the enterprise and far-sightedness of the New Zealand Railway Department. The passenger cars are lined throughout with beautiful oak facings. Spacious windows give plenty of light and travellers view the countryside with ease. All compartments, except the observation car. are designed in rimu. The artistic, as well as the material side, has been assiduously attended to by the department’s designers. The most remarkable feature of the new express is the observation car which, for dignity and comfort, is comparable with any similar car operating in the Southern Hemisphere. It is fitted with deep Chesterfield chairs. A rich and picturesque carpet softly covers the floor, and shaded curtains give it the appearance of a well-fur-nished drawing room. The whole car is made of New Zealand “mahogany,” which is extremely beautiful. The wide bow-shaped windows at the end of the carriage give an unrivalled view of the passing country in all directions. Another feature is the ceiling, which is fashioned with specially compressed wood. Other innovations are the plate-cov-ered ventilators, ash-trays and slidingtopped windows. The other compartments, although not quite so pretentious, maintain a high standard" of efficiency and comfort and are heated throughout. Each coach is joined by automaticcouplings, and as the gangways are enclosed with waterproof sheetings, perfect comfort is experienced in moving from one coach to another. The express arrived at Franktcn Junction on time, and was met by representatives of the Farmers’ Union and the Borough Council.