THE ROYAL TRAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19567, 21 February 1927, Page 13

THE ROYAL TRAIN.

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND. LUXURIOUS APPOINTMENTS. COMFORTABLE AND ARTISTIC. DISTINCTIVE WORKMANSHIP. The Royal train to be used by the Duke and Duchess of York in the North Island arrived at Auckland at 11.30 yesterday morning from Wellington. The run was made at an easy pace, and the smooth travelling of the Royal sleeper and saloon car and the new fie luxe sleeper, which will form part of the train, came up to the highest expectations of the railway staff who were concerned in their building. Until it is required next Saturday the train is being housed in the.'Newmarket workshops, where the attendants, will keep the fittings spotless in readiness for the reception of the Royal travellers. In every respect the car for the Duke and Duchess is a monument to the craftsmanship of the. railwaymen who built it at the Petone workshop. The bedroom is a tastefully-designed apartment, while the lounge, with its spacious chesterfield and inviting easy chairs, is extremely comfortable. Twin beds in oxidised silver resting on a soft beige carpet have been provided for the Duke and Duchess. At each end of the bedroom are mirrored wardrobes and dressing-tables harmonising with the mahogany panelled walls. Leading from the bedroom is the Royal bathroom, the fittings including a wash basin and a curtained shower. The bathroom is finished in white enamelled steel tiles. All Details Provided. Between the bedroom and the lounge nre two apartments for the Earl and Countess of Cavan. They have also been provided with a bathroom, which is a replica of that for the Duke and Duchess on a slightly smaller scale. The lounge is panelled in mahogany. The chesterfield and the easy chairs are fitted with loose cover in sand, and there is a deep green carpet ■with curtains to match. In all the little aids to comfort that come uuder the general heading of fittings -the Railway Department has excelled itRelf. Such min'uto care has been exercised in seeing that nothing is wanting, that even over the dressing-table for the Duchess there is a wall plug to take the oiectric curling irons which repose in the drawer. A constant, supply of fresh air is assured by the patent glass louvre ventilators over each window, while the curtains may ba drawn or parted by a slight manipulation of a cord. There are bells connecting with the personal staff, and there is the last word in electric cigar and cigarette lighters. In the bathrooms a patent tap will provide hot or cold water as desired. Lighting is on a generous scale., Numerous curtained windows keep the rooms at a comforting degree of brightness in the daytime, while, at night, electric ceiling and wall lights, fitted with silk shades in champagne, make an inviting interior. Over the bods there are reading lamps and also soft blue night lights. Electric fans have been provided in all the rooms. Royal Dining Car. Adjoining the saloon car, which has ft curtained vestibule entrance, is tho Royal dining car. Only half of the space is used as a dining room, the remainder being fitted for carrying, stores. Tho car is one of the Main Trunk typo converted for temporary use, and accommodation is provided at three tables for 15 persons. ,Tho carpet and curtains are of a blue shade and the sides are in mahogany stain. Tho chairs are of tho clrippendale period, with blue upholstery, while the furnishings include a sideboard with cellarettes. The kitchen car is a revelation in the economical use of space. The conveniences embrace all the appurtenances ot the culinary department of a firstclass hotel, and the chef will be able to provide at short notice a cup of tea or a dinner fo* any number of guests. Heating is provided by gas and in addition to a large oven there are numerous gas rings. There will be ten cars on the train when it is made up ready for the road. Behind the two big AB engines which ■will haul the train over the heavy grades will be a" luggage van and then one of the usual type of sleeping cars for the personal staff. Next will be two day cars and then two de luxe sleepers, one of the cabins being fitted with a telephone connection to tho engino drivers for use by the officer in charge of the train. The staff dining car and the Royal dining car will be separated by the kitchen car, the last carriage being the Royal saloon. The exterior of the train is finished in Midland red enamel, the Royal cars bearing the Duke's coat ©f arms. Tho special car for the Duko and Duchess was designed and built under the supervision of Mr. G. S. Lyndo, chief mechanical engineer of the Railway Department. Tribute was paid by Mr. Lynda yesterday to the enthusiasm which had been displayed by the men who had had a part in the work. From Mr. A. E. P. Walworth, manager of the Petone workshops, down to the newestjoined youth, there had been a wonderful spirit of co-operation in a desire to provide a result of which New Zealand might bo proud.