ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16415, 8 January 1919, Page 9

ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

THE 'lIIAXS-CONT LVENTA L LINE. The Trans-Continental railway that connects Perth with Adelaide was completed last year, and travellers may now us© this line, he following account of a journey across Australia by rail is ot interest, since many New Zealandcrs may be expec-tcd to use'this railway m order to shorten tho journey between the Dominion and London :—^ "Of course I went by the Trans-Aus-tralian express, or, as it is cnlled. the Great Western, and must say that J was agreeably surprised with the train arrangements. You leave Perth by the ordinary Kalgoorlie express, arriving next morning about 0. The Trans, train is waiting on the opposite side of the platform, and as soon as all are shifted across you start for Port Augusta. Tho now train is weil constructed and right up to date. I should say it is the best train in Australia, whilst American travellers aro agreed that it beats anything in the States. I might say that several qf these coaches wcro built in Western Australia. "The compartments are all two-borth-cd cabins fitted up with lavatory accommodation and al sorts of well-thought-out fittings, electric reading lamps for each berth, electric fans, eto. The cabins are very roomy and comfortable, so that the journey does not tire, ycrn out. There is it ladies' boudoir car fitted up with movable cosy chairs, card and writing tables, and the smoker is also arranged on similar lines. Shower hath accommodation is also provided. Tho dining-car is in keeping with the rest of tho train, and the food is l<.th good and plentiful, including fresh fish, meat, vegetables, sweets, etc. Xo liquor is supplied, which I think is to bo commonded. "Tho country for the first couple of hundred miles east of Kalgoorlie is salmon gum with patches of salt bush, very similar to what is seen near Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. After that you strike a she oak belt, and then gradually got on the Nul labor Plain. This immense stretch of country extends for 600 to 700 miles, and is. as level as the proverbial billiard table. It is not the grout sandy desert as described on our atlases. As far as the eye con see, the ground is covered with a, dwarf saltbush, with here and there an occasional htish as big as a gooseberry bush. Tho Boil appears to be fino red sandy loam, but it is very shallow, only somo few inches, and below limestone rook. This rock won't hold ■water, and any rain falling disappears very quickly. Water, of course, can bo obtained by boring at depths varying to several hundred feet. "After crossing the plain there is a stretch of wretched country on tho S.A. side. ."Ridge after ridge of fine red dust or sand, evidently blown off the plain in bygone geological ages. These ridges are covered with a stunted mulga bush, but very little vegetation. As a consequence, the train rushing along raises a terrific dust, and this comes in at the windows, smothering the passengers and their clothes. There are frequent sidings .en route, where water is picked up. In one place this was supplied by a condenser. Tho train struck me as running very smoothly, especially where the line had been ballasted, and the speed averaged between 40 to 50 miles an hour.

'The second evening out from Kalgoorlie vou arrive at Port Augusta, soon after midnight. You are allowed to remain undisturbed in your bunks till 4.30 a.m.. and then you—are called to «ret. up and cross the platform into the S.A train leaving at 5 a.m. By four in the afternoon you are in Adolaide in time to ratoli the Melbourne express. The single fare. Perth to Melbourne, with sleeoer and meals, tuns to a little over £12. which cannot be considered excessive."