They Travel “De Luxe” in Rhodesia...

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 74, 18 June 1927, Page 17

They Travel “De Luxe” in Rhodesia...

(Written for THE SUN by J. A. DALEBOUDT.)

BvoT«nAVE you ever spent three days and three nOB nights in a train? This was my experience ]Mm\ travelling from Cape)<suZWA town to Bulawayo. The South African Government railways are exceedingly comfortable, and much of the monotony and tedium of the journey is thereby relieved. Although first-class compartments are designed for four adults, I was fortunate in having only one fellow-traveller —and he was a, vastly interesting companion. He had been to India and Canada, holding official positions in the railways there, and he was then on his way to take up a post on the Rhodesian railways. His travelling experience was large and his stock of anecdotes seemed never-ending. * * * The train consists of about ten carriages, with a dining saloon in the middle. The carriages have side passage-ways, one half-way down one side and one half-way down the other side. In the middle, at the intersection of the passage, are the lavatories, wash-basins, and showers. In each half-carriage are three fullsized compartments and one coupe (for two). Each compartment has a wide upholstered seat on either side with adjustable arm-rests. In the centre is a collapsible table. Folding the table and putting it out of the way, a hand-basin with hot and cold water taps is revealed. We left Capetown about 11 o’clock in the morning, and it was not long before a steward came to ask if we would have lunch. We were then told when lunch woulc! be served, another steward arriving later to announce the meal. The dining saloon is excellently arranged, and paintings of South African scenery add a distinctive touch to the large saloon. The tables are laid with good silver and cutlery, some for two and others for four. Tl(e windows, being large, enable the traveller to look out on both sides of the line. Deft stewards attend to you immediately, but —you pay before you eat! If you decide to buy coupons, your three meals a day cost you 8s 6d; separately, breakfast is 2s 6d, lunch 3s 6d, and dinner 3s 6d. This is quite reasonable, considering that the service and food is of the best, even a clean damask table napkin being given with each meal. After lunch one may go to the saloon for a game of cards or a drink. One may also have tea and cake or sandwiches served in the ordinary compartments of the train at any time of the day. For the price of 3s 6d a bed may be hired journey. The bed,

which is spotlessly clean, comprises two sheets, a pillow and as many blankets as may be desired. The bedding stewards made the beds every evening and removed them again in the morning. There need be no fear that another bed will be yours the succeeding night, as each is neatly rolled and placed in a bag with the traveller’s name affixed to it. Bulawayo At Last My host has come to meet me and drives me round the town in his car. Among other things he tells me that the total European population of the

town is only 8,000, but that there are 3,000 motor-cars in use! My destination is SO miles beyond the township, where my friend has a large estate. On the estate is i gold mine. The journey to the “plaas” is most picturesque. We travel through the Matoppos Mountains and stay at Rhodes’s grave. On reaching the estate I find a wonderful homestead with gardens beautiful beyond description, flaunting every conceivable colour of flower. Gold fish disport themselves in fountains. Dozens of summer houses are dotted here and there. Ornamental trees and shrubs, luscious peaches and nectarines are all around. A full-sized swimming bath, with tepid water, surrounded by shrubs and having grass growing to its very edge, next catches my eye. It is the kind of estate one sees on the “pictures,” and wonders if such things can be. And close to the heart of Africa! After a day or so I became accustomed to this regal environment and prepared for my hunting expedition, which was my reason for' visiting Bulawayo. I had a new Lee-Enfield and a shotgun, and as game was plentiful, had wonderful sport. Several J species of buck, pheasant, quail, wild t

ostriches, hares, and even tigers were to be had in the vicinity. My bag for the 10 days consisted of five large buck (one weigliing nearly 6001 b). a brace of pheasants, and one wild ostrich, and “nearly one tiger.” We returned from our daily shooting expeditions, which we did. in modern style, in a motor-car, laden with our spoil. Dinner commenced 10 p.m. All good things come to an end, but the wonderful sights and experiences "of this trip will always be with me.