ROYAL VISIT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18926, 15 February 1927, Page 8

ROYAL VISIT.

TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS.

The Royal party will bring to the Dominion, no fewer than 34 English motor-cars, which, by the time the Renown leaves New Zealand waters, should have received a Rood testing on our roads, as about a dozen will travel throughout the country ahead of the Royal party, while the others will be given plenty of work. Work on the railway timetables which are being prepared in Christchurch in connexion with the visit of their Royal Highnesses to the South Island is now nearly completed. They have entailed a great deal of work, aa many difficulties have been encountered in fitting in the watering places. "' Mr R. 8. Kent, Divisional Superintendent, New Zealand Railways, told a reporter yesterday that turning the trains at terminal points, such as Hokitika, was one of the greatest problems to be overcome in eliminating possible causes of delay. At Reefton, the Royal visit coincides with the Agricultural Show, the extra stock and passenger trains making the arrangement of a suitable timetable much more difficult. Only railway employees are to be used in guarding the lines, tunnels, and bridges, and Mr" J. McNair, District Engineer, will probably utilise the servicer of permanent men on branch lines over which the Royal trains will not run. Instructions have been issued for the holding up of road traffic at crossings between the passage of the pilot and emergency trains, but as this would entail a stoppage of about half an hour, the orders will be given some elasticity at Colombo street and Lincoln road. Combined bridges, such as that at Rakaia, will, it is expected, have to be closed absolutely while the three trains pass, Bv a decision to attach an additional Tan to the pilot train, it has become a "six total.'' with three ordinary day cars, a combined kitchen and dining car. and two vans. The Royal train will have ten vehicles, these being as follows: Guard's van, sleeping car, three ordinary day cars. Ministerial car x dining car, combined kitchen and stores car, an additional car eiving /more dining accommodation, and extra quarters for the Royal party, and the Royal car Itself. Three day cars, a combined dining and stores car, and guard's van will make up the emergency train.