Travel Amenities.

The comfort of the carriages and the fine facilities provided for the conveyance of travellers were among the features of travel in Australia noted by Mr. Lynde.

“In the observation car by which I travelled it was a great asset to have a telephone placed on a writing table connected up with the city exchange right up to the moment of departure. This is now a common practice in Australia, and is greatly appreciated, particularly by business men, as it gives them an opportunity to keep in touch with their affairs up to the last possible moment, and proves particularly convenient in cases of emergency for other passengers in the event of sickness or other news of an urgent nature.

“The construction of the ears is admirable, and the furnishings tasteful, comfortable and attractive. There is nothing left undone which might add to the pleasure of train travel on a journey between Sydney and Melbourne, and in the Victorian area the 5ft. 3in. gauge has given designers a great opportunity, of which they have availed themselves fully, for adopting additional comfort-giving adaptations of luxury travel furnishings.

“I returned from the conference assured of the value of such gatherings and of the progressive spirit that animates the men of the railways in that country. The conference agenda was the longest yet submitted, consisting of 215 items, interchange of ideas and experience being most freely given, to the benefit of all concerned.”

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