UNRELIABLE SERVICE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 423, 6 January 1933, Page 2

UNRELIABLE SERVICE

COMEDY TRAIN OF AUSTRALlAN INLAND RAILWAY SYSTEM OFTEN TWO DAYS LATE Hard as was the tre'k to The Granites those Who rtished there were at least spared the praliminary misery of a trip on Australia's most comical express train, which ran to Oodnadatta, until the line was extended to Alice Springs. The trip from Port Augusta to the terminus at Oodnadatta was set down as a two day trip but the train very rarely did it in less than three days, and often four days elapsed before she steamed into Oodnadatta, where the crew was then given a week's respite to get over the trip and to patch up the engine for the return pourney. The locomdtive \Vas so small that shffieient water and fuel could not be carried for the trip, and as the fireman was ah indiffefent axeman, he would often carry spare supplies of wood and water in the carriages. This was stowed away under the seats. Often, during the night, the bbiler would want refilling, and the passengers sleeping on the seats under which were the tins of water, would be roused. from their dreains and invited to assist the engine driver to' fiii tip1. . When fuel ran out, and they were away from wooded countrjy, Y-ases which contained stores and petrol for people along the line were broken up to feed steam to the antiquated "Puffing Billy." Many a curse has been levelled at the Postal Department by the firenian at its lack of foresight in ereeting steel telegfaph poles along the line. Only for this the poles would have been burnt in the boilers long ago. At one time a train was reported lost on this run, and the officials at Oodnadatta telegraphed every siding right down to Port Augusta, where it was discovered that the train had not left until a day later, owing to engine trouble. At th'e time, a wellknown Adelaide grazier happened to Stroll along to one of the stations along, the line, where he inquired of the Official in charge when the train was expected. The official looked puzzled, and said he did not know, and then' began to fumble for his watch. "It's not a watch you want," said the grazier. "The department ought to supply you with a calender." In those days — only about four years ago — this failway was a jolce to everyone in South Australia except those who had to use it. When the line was extended to Alice Spfings the toy "Puffing Billly" was relegated to the scrap heap, hnd a really goo'd train installed on this steel road iri the heart of Australia.