UPHOLSTERY IN TRAMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19549, 31 January 1927, Page 12

UPHOLSTERY IN TRAMS.

NO CHANGE IN AUCKLAND. ADVANTAGES OF WOODEN SEATS T'hs Auckland tramway authorities have no intention of providing moquette upholstery for seats, which has been adopted in Wellington. " Moquette upholstering is certainly being adopted by some tram operators in other parts of the world, but there are as many other operators who are adhering to the wooden or leather upholstered seats," said Mr. Jl. E.-Ford, manager of the Auckland City tramways, on Saturday. "A well-designed wooden seat, such as has been provided in the latest type of trams in 'Auckland, is quite comfortable for any journey and is more easy to keep clean .and hygienic than moquette upholstery." The of mocjuette in trams and buses was more of a change in fashion rather than an alteration actuated by utilitarian motives, Mr. Ford explained. In some cities where it had been brought into use its adoption was often forced by the desire of the'controlling authority to "go one better" than a competitor. It was likely , to prove expensive in upkeep, for there would be heavy wear and tear in ordinary usage in the trams, while the cleaning of the moquette would be an expensive and wearing operation. Mr. Ford said that as far as he-was concerned he would prefer a quick and efficient service by trams with the wooden seats than one in -which " trimmings" counted for more.