PURCHASE OF CARS FOR ROYAL VISIT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22663, 14 June 1948, Page 6

PURCHASE OF CARS FOR ROYAL VISIT

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 12. The Government had been in consultation with officials at Buckingham Palace on the question of the most suitable motor-cars for use in the tour of New Zealand by Their Majesties, and as a result it was decided that six EfST-mier cars would be purchased, stated the Prime Minister, Mr. P. Fraser. He added that in addition the Daimler company was placing six other cars at the disposal of the Government without charge for the tour, with the right of purchase by the Government or sale in the Dominion. Rootes Ltd. had made a similar offer of six Humber cars on the same terms, and both offers had been accepted.

Between £SOOO and £6OOO each will be paid by the Australian Government for the 36 h.p. Daimlers, six of which will be used for the Royal tour next year. They will be used by the Government after the visit.

The cars, says an Australian report, are scientifically ventilated, draught, fume and sound-proof, and will probably have triple-bladed windscreen wipers and a de-mister. They can be driven in comfort slower than a man or a horse can walk in a procession, and yet cruise at 70 miles an hour “with plenty in reserve.’’ The cars have electrically-operated windows and roof. They have a tray of smokers’ requisites in the dividing arm rest of the back compartment. In each side of the car is a cigar lighter. In the dividing panel are two ash trays, and the front end of each elbow supports a large telescopic ash-tray.