STANDARD RAILCAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 69, 19 September 1938, Page 11

STANDARD RAILCAR

FIRST 200-MILE RUN

WELLINGTON TO NAPIER

The first trial run of the new standard rail-car, Aotea, was made at the weekend. The car travelled from Wellington to Napier, 200 miles, on Saturday, and returned yesterday. The performance was completely satisfactory, railway authorities say. Passengers in the car were the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) and the General Manager (Mr. G. H. Mackley). The outward trip was made in six i hours, actual running time 4 hours 54 minutes, and the return trip in five hours, actual running time 4 hours 36 minutes. Travelling north, the car stopped at Pukerua Bay, Palmerston North, Woodville, Tatakawa, Oringi, Dannevirke, Matamau, Marakeke, Waipukurau, Waikawa, Pakipaki, and Hastings, and on the return trip at Hastings,, Waipukurau, and Palmerston North. Everywhere it caused considerable interest. The car seats 52 passengers, weighs 32 tons, and is driven by motors with a total horse-power of 260. It will be , one of three on the New Plymouth run, 'which is expected to begin in October. Mr. Sullivan attended the crowning ceremony of the Hawke's Bay Labour Queen Carnival at Napier on Saturday ! evening, and yesterday visited the Esk Valley areas devastated by the autumn floods. He expressed himself as being very distressed at the scenes of ruin of the rich and beautiful countryside.