FAST RAILCAR TRIP

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 235, 3 July 1939, Page 10

FAST RAILCAR TRIP

Aotea’s Run From Napier

To Wellington

AVith the Minister of Railways, Air. Sullivan, and others who attended the opening of the Napier-AVairoa line on Saturday the department’s standard railcar Aotea made a fast trip from Napier to AVellingtou yesterday. The ear covered the 199 miles in 4hrs. 20 min. actual running time.

Aotea left AVellingtou with the Ministerial party late on Friday afternoon and made a trip from Napier to AVairoa and back on Saturday. It left Napier again at 2.20 p.m. yesterday and reached AVellingtou at 7 o’clock after making n number of stops en route. The running time, Palmerston North-AVel-lington, 87 miles, was Ihr. SOniiu. Ou arrival at AVellingtou the Minister complimented tlie driver, Air. E. Peach, on having successfully completed the trip from AVellingtou to AVairoa and'return. He had efficiently piloted the railcar on a journey of more than 500 miles and had brought the party back to AVellingtou quickly, safely and in comfort.

The Alinister added that be was very pleased with the running of the car and with the interest taken in the Aotea by people on the railway route to Hawke’s Bay. “The popularity of these railcars and the interest taken in them must give the general manager, Air. Mackley, a great deal of satisfaction." said the Alinister. "He was the prime mover in the introduction of railcars into New Zealand.”

Led by the Minister, tlie party sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” in honour of the driver. Air. Peach was subsequently cheered.