THE DIESEL ENGINE AGE

Evening Star, Issue 22072, 4 July 1935, Page 5

THE DIESEL ENGINE AGE

HANDSOME NEW BUS FOR DUNEDIN CITY CORPORATION’S ENTERPRISE The distinction of being the first in tho South Island to put a Diesel engine motor bus on the road is shortly to be earned by the tramway department of the Dunedin City Corporation. The handsome lines of No. 11, the corporation’s new passenger vehicle,

may be gauged from the photograph here reproduced. In general contour the bus is practically a sister to No. 7, which, by reason of its comfort and good service, has become a great favourite with the suburban public. Apart from the essential mechanical variation necessitated by the adoption of Diesel engine locomotion, practically the.only difference between No. 7 and No. II is that the latest addition, to the rubber-tyred fleet has seating accommodation for two more passengers, making 33 in all. Therefore, as it is permissible to carry one-third of this number standing, the total capacity of 44 is exceedingly liberal. Since the arrival of the Leyland chassis from the Home country a capable local tramway department staff has been engaged on the body building,

and No. 11, as she emerged in completed form from the workshop into the sunlight this morning, presented a pleasing spectacle of solidity and beauty. The bus was examined to-day by the Government inspecting engineer, and it is hoped that a trial run, in which the members of the TJramway Committee is to participate, will be made some time to-morrow. Questioned this morning, the tramway manager (Mr W. H. M'Kenzie) said the department was desirous of getting No. 11 on to a run as soon as possible. It was destined for the service between Pitt street and Maori Hill, but, before being put on to strenuous hill work, it would be given a preliminary trial between Fairfield and the city.