Little Darwin drew attention to the unsatisfactory experiences a friend had travelling from Adelaide to Darwin on the Ghan in the Red Service , the cheapest fare . These included a clapped out old carriage with a wash basin that fell open and refused to close back into position, dreary food and a frivolous attendant . She, a seasoned traveller within Australia and overseas , said she would never recommend the Ghan to anyone.
Just this week, our attention was drawn to a series of articles written by one Archie Bevan about the Top End which included a trip from Adelaide to Darwin aboard the Ghan in the Red Service section . At the end of the trip , two hours late, a member of the railway staff told passengers in Red Service he hoped to see them again “ on another of Great Southern Railways’ wonderful journeys.” The carriage erupted with jeers and the leader of a group of English ladies shouted:” Our country has the world’s worst trains , but this beats them all.” Bevan speculated that the way the train was locked up at night , floor and other lighting turned off, with so many people sleeping on the floor , this could cause a dangerous situation in the event of a derailment and carriages were thrown on their sides.
While in Darwin , Bevan had a good look at the place and , in an unfortunate choice of words, said the Chief Minister’s office “is the nerve centre of the gas action.” In fairness, it must be said he used the expression in the context of the economic impact of oil and gas projects on Darwin
Just this week, our attention was drawn to a series of articles written by one Archie Bevan about the Top End which included a trip from Adelaide to Darwin aboard the Ghan in the Red Service section . At the end of the trip , two hours late, a member of the railway staff told passengers in Red Service he hoped to see them again “ on another of Great Southern Railways’ wonderful journeys.” The carriage erupted with jeers and the leader of a group of English ladies shouted:” Our country has the world’s worst trains , but this beats them all.” Bevan speculated that the way the train was locked up at night , floor and other lighting turned off, with so many people sleeping on the floor , this could cause a dangerous situation in the event of a derailment and carriages were thrown on their sides.
While in Darwin , Bevan had a good look at the place and , in an unfortunate choice of words, said the Chief Minister’s office “is the nerve centre of the gas action.” In fairness, it must be said he used the expression in the context of the economic impact of oil and gas projects on Darwin
