CITY'S TRAM FLEET.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 282, 28 November 1929, Page 9

CITY'S TRAM FLEET.

HANDSOME NEW CARS. CONSTRUCTION OF BODIES. BEAUTY OF INTERIOR. Decorative effect and utility have been happily combined in the designing of Auckland's flffet of new tramears, the first of which in expected to b« on the road early in the New Year.

Workmen of both the Auckland Transport Board and the contractor, Mr. H. C. Williams, of Eden Terrace, are busily engaged at the moment constructing the first 25 cars provided for in the recent loan proposals, and, from the activity being displayed, ratepayers' fears that they are doomed to strap-hanging and inconvenient travel for an iudefinite period may be dispelled.

The body-building department of Mr. Williams' garage hummed a merry tune of industry this morning, and there was abundant evidence of the rapid progress bfeing made with the contract let to the firm for the supply for the initial 20 cars. Four bodies were .in. various stages of completion and the framework was set out for workmen to commence on a fifth. One tram was so far advanced that the signboards had been placed in position and it was awaiting the finish? ing touches of the painter and the screwin" down of eighteen reversible seats and eight fixed seats, which will give accommodation for 52 passengers.

Roomy Interiors. The interior revealed the spaciousness of the carriages and afforded an idea of the artistry of the designer's art. The panelling is of rich oak, and New Zealand kauri, inlaid with blackwood, is extensively used for finishing. The natural beauty of the woods .is preserved by a delicate: application of stain. The light and shade of the panelling contracts with the deep walnut-coloured seats and bat-, tens of a. similar shade which bisect the cream single-arch ceiling. Aluminium fittings are liberally employed to add a bright,touch to the interior, while the lower panels are durable and solid, being modelled in heavy armour-ply.

Circular-fronted, the cars are of the vestibule type, similar to the latest placed in commission by the tramway •authorities.' They embody, in addition, a number of minor improven. jilts, which

will aid to efficiency and give more comfortable transport. For instance, a greater width of body has been provided. This gives four inches more space in the aisle for standing' passengers and an inch more breadth of seat.

Up-to-date Ventilation. The windows are of plateglass and of the let-down type commonly in use, and the ventilation conforms with the system universally installed in vehicles throughout America and the Continent of Europe. As the car bodies are completed they will be transferred the Transport Board's shops for final adjustment and the fitting of electrical motors. There is every indication that the work will be completed according to schedule and that the handsome additions to the tramways fleet will be turned out in regular relays for the purpose of relieving the pressing demand for additional transport facilities in the city.