MODEL CARAVAN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 50, 16 August 1939, Page 8

MODEL CARAVAN

HOME ON WHEELS DESCRIBED Tlie vast numbers of people in America who live in trailers and follow the sun, leading a semi-gypsv life, is causing state and local body governments much concern, for the further spread of this means of living coukl have grave repercussions on community life by the overcrow/! ing of certain sections of the towns and the evasion of liability to many taxes and rates. It is easy to understand the fascination of the vagrant "life to retired people when a modem caravan, is inspected, and a good example of these homes on wheels lias stood at The Heads Whakatane, for some weeks. It is the property of Mr A. Wiggins and within its compact walls life is lived very pleasantly. The caravan was built in June bv an Auckland firm. When stationary it rests on permanent corner jacks. It is 14 feet long and there is plenty of headroom inside. Finished in cream and green the interior is neat and cheerful. A single bed or couch stretches across one end near the door, which is of the stable type and opens in two halves if required. At tiie other end is a double bed which during the day is converted into a table and couch, this operation taking only about 15 seconds. Blankets fit underneath seats during the day, and the luxurious mattress is in sections and becomes the side and back of the couches. There is ample cupboard space and room to build more if necessary, A sink and washbowl is fitted. This draws its water through a tap.like pump hum a tank which is filled from the outside of the caravan and holds 20 gallons. A small ''Hot Dog" stove is fitted for heating purposes. This is very economical and gives good warmth. Illustrating the economy of space J and the ingenuity with which evevy fitting is installed, is an airing cupboard built round and hiding the stove pipe. GAS COOKING. Cooking and lighting is done by bottled gas, the storage cylinders being carried in a well under the floor These cylinders last about three weeks in summer and two in winter, and two are carried. The cooking stove has a reversible burner which can be turned upwards to heat water or do any of the saucepan type of cooking, or downwards for grilling or toasting under the top of the stove. A detachable oven is also fitted. Three lights are provided, and Mr Wiggins states that they give a wonderfully clear, yet restful light. Mrs Wiggins says that she is thoroughly pleased with her little home on wheels and so delightfully neat and compact is it that one realises that stationary housekeeping might be humdrum drudgery after the life of the road. Even the baby in his cot seemed happy with its .surround, ings, and one stepped out of the little home slightly envious of its owner's good fortune.