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1950 - 55 Day strike by railway traffic staff
1952 - First R Class locomotive to Mildura
1952 - First B Class diesel-electric locomotive to Mildura
1953 - B Class diesels replace R Class steam locomotives on Mildura line passenger trains.
1957 - First S Class locomotive to Mildura with new "Mildura Sunlight" day time service and new steel air-conditioned saloon carriages.
1950
A commercial traveller in Mildura on Tuesday 2-5-1950 tried unsuccessfully to find accommodation that night. He was required to be in Mildura the following day. To get over his trouble he inquired at Mildura railway station if there was a vacant sleeper on the train from Melbourne on Tuesday night. He was told there was, so he booked it for his use from Donald to Mildura.
The man then travelled on the Melbourne train from Mildura and dozed as far as Donald. He left the train there, had a few hours sleep in the waiting room, and when the Mildura-bound train arrived, climbed into his sleeping berth and slept soundly to Mildura. "Sunraysia Daily"
In August 1950 Mildura Racing Club unsuccessfully sought to have horse box carriages attached to the Mildura passenger train, claiming that attaching them to goods trains was too slow and tiring for the horses.
The Minister for Transport Mr. H. Hyland, visited Mildura on 15 & 16-9-1950. Mr. Nat Barclay M.L.A. made representation to the Minister for a buffet car to be added to the Mildura line trains. In his response, the Minister indicated that the maximum passenger load for a single engine is hauled at present between Melbourne and Mildura. If a buffet car were to be attached, an assistant engine would have to be used or there would have to be a reduction in the number of sitting cars.
A 55 day strike by railway employees from 15-10-1950 saw passenger trains on the Mildura line replaced by buses. This would appear to be the first such use of buses as a replacement for passenger railway services unable to operate.
A one-day general stoppage occurred on 4-9-1950 as a protest against long shifts worked by some traffic sections of the railway department. Because of the refusal of the Conciliation Commissioners to vary awards relating to this and other conditions of working, there followed a complete state-wide cessation of rail services from 15-10-1950 to 8-12-1950 - a period of 55 days - during which no trains ran.
Special guards were sent from Melbourne to Ouyen to guard over railway trucks with valuable goods consigned to Mildura in early November.
Seven gangs of track repairers were working on the lines between Ouyen and Mildura including Ouyen and Pinnaroo and Redcliffs to Morkalla.
The District Superintendent, District Rolling Stock Superintendent and District Engineer from Ballarat inspected the lines in a Dodge rail car on 21-11-1950. The officers found it necessary to clear the flange way at numerous level crossings during their journey.
Local newspapers carried photographs of rolling stock at stations with grass growing between the spokes of railway wagon wheels or showing deserted station yards and signals in the "stop" position.
The first passenger train to depart Mildura in eight weeks left on Sunday night 10-12-1950. The train was hauled by two locomotives with Driver F. Gott in charge of the leading engine and Driver J. Shrapel in charge of the second engine. The Guard was F. McKay and Conductors W. Godfrey and F. Norris.
1951
Wednesday overnight services to and from Melbourne were suspended from 21-2-1951 following an announcement by the Premier (Mr. McDonald) that Victoria was facing one of the worst coal shortages in its history. As was usual in coal shortages, oil burning locomotives used on the Mildura line were diverted for use on other services in the State.
Wednesday night services resumed from 21-3-1951.
To cater for Easter holiday traffic, two trains were scheduled to depart Melbourne for Mildura on Thursday 22-3-1951. The first left at 7.25 p.m. and the second at 8 p.m.. They were scheduled to arrive in Mildura the following morning (Good Friday) at 6.45 a.m. and 8 a.m. respectively.
The Governor of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brooks travelled to Mildura during the last week of May 1951 in State Car No.5. The car, just built at Newport Workshops and issued to traffic, was painted in gleaming red.
Special trains were scheduled for Christmas holiday traffic to and from Mildura including a temporary resumption of Wednesday services on 19-12-1951, 26-12-1951, 2-1-1952 and 9-1-1952.
Melbourne to Mildura
Two trains would depart on Thursday 20-12-1951 at 7.25 p.m. and 7.55 p.m..
Three trains would depart on Friday 21-12-1951 at 7.50 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m..
Two trains would depart on Saturday 22-12-1951 at 7.25 p.m. and 7.55 p.m.
Mildura to Melbourne
Two trains would depart on Friday 21-12-1951 and Sunday 24-12-1951 at 8.05 p.m. and 9.10 p.m., arriving in Melbourne at 7.20 a.m. and 8.43 a.m. respectively. The 8.05 p.m. train stopped only at major stations whilst the 9.10 p.m. stopped at all stations.
On Saturday 22-12-1952 a special train would depart at 9.10 p.m. stopping all stations to arrive in Melbourne at 8.43 a.m.
All trains had sleeping and air-conditioned carriages available for reservation.
1952
Trains in each direction were scheduled on Wednesday 9-4-1952 and 16-4-1952 to cater for additional passengers over Easter.
The first R Class locomotive to Mildura was R753. R753 arrived in Mildura on the morning of 28-5-1952 with the overnight train from Melbourne. It departed that night with the Mildura to Melbourne overnight train. R Class engines continued to be regularly rostered on Mildura line trains, replacing A2 locomotives.
R756 on the left, is at the head of the 12.10 p.m. Woomelang train at Ballarat. Passengers would have connected with this train from the 9.20 a.m. Portland passenger train from Melbourne shown departing with R759. 30-3-1956. Photo: W. Jack, ARHS Archives
Shortly after the delivery of the R Class steam locomotives from the North British Locomotive Co., Scotland in 1951-52, the first of the main-line diesel-electric locomotives ordered by the Commissioners was commissioned. These were the B Class double-ended units constructed by Clyde Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd., New South Wales. The first of the class, B60 was formally delivered by the manufacturers and dedicated to former Chief Commissioner "Harold W. Clapp" on 15-7-1952 at a ceremony at Spencer Street station.
The first of the class to come to Mildura was B61which departed from Melbourne with the overnight train to Mildura on 8-9-1952, arriving the following morning. B61 was placed into service on 18-8-1952, some three weeks earlier.
B60 "Harold W. Clapp" - the first of the B Class diesel-electric electric locomotives. 1962. Photo: Gerald Dee, courtesy Train Hobby Publications.
The interest shown by the people of the mallee in the new, sleek, locomotive, could only be compared with the arrival of the first trains at the turn of the century. All district newspapers made the passage of the new engine a leading story. In "Sunraysia Daily" the lead up to the big day included articles with an artist's drawing of the new style locomotive, details of its scheduled runs in the district, technical information and viewing times at Mildura station for a first-hand inspection.
Big crowds were on hand at Mildura on 9-9-1952 to see B61arrive with the overnight passenger train from Melbourne with Driver Ted Gott at the controls. There was a constant flow of people at the station during the afternoon to inspect the new engine and more than two hundred watched B61 depart that night with the overnight passenger service to Melbourne.
"Sunraysia Daily" suggested that the use of diesel-electric locomotives on the Mildura line might bring about the introduction of a daylight train service between Melbourne and Mildura but the Chief Traffic Manager, Mr. C. Rogers, who accompanied B61on its trip said that such a service was not yet contemplated.
With the R Class locomotives now in charge of Mildura line passenger trains it was possible to cut the travel time by about an hour between Melbourne and Mildura. From 13-10-1952, trains from Melbourne would depart at 8.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday inclusive, arriving in Mildura at 7.30 a.m. - a quarter of an hour earlier. Trains for Melbourne would depart Mildura at 8.40 p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive, instead of 7.50 p.m.. On Sunday the train would depart at 8.50 p.m. instead of 7.50 p.m..
R769 stands near the coal stage at Maryborough. R Class locomotives were rostered to run Mildura line passenger services from May 1952 until March 1953. Photo: ARHS Archives
R741 standing in No.2 road at Mildura with Driver L. Zarth and Fireman I. Gregory in charge. Photo: Laurie Zarth Collection
Complaints about the lack of a buffet car were raised in the Mildura Shire Council meeting held on Thursday 6-11-1952. Cr. Henshilwood complained that the "so-called refreshment rooms" at Ouyen and Birchip were "deplorable and a disgrace". He made reference to the Bendigo line with its buffet car on two trains a day - a trip of two or three hours, and the fact that a buffet car was to be put on the Bairnsdale line - a journey of 5 or 6 hours - but nothing for Mildura.
1953
B Class diesel-electric locomotives replaced R Class steam locomotives on Mildura line passenger services from 15-3-1953. The timetable was altered considerably with the new motive power:
* Overnight trains from Melbourne would depart at 9 p.m. instead of 8.35 p.m. and arrive in Mildura the following morning at the same time of 7.30 a.m..
* Stops of quarter of an hour would be made at Ballarat and 10 minutes at Birchip and Ouyen for refreshments.
* Overnight trains from Mildura would depart at 9 p.m. instead of 8.40 p.m. weekdays and 8.50 p.m. Sundays.
* Refreshment stops of 10 minutes at Ouyen and Birchip would be made but there would not be a stop at Ballarat.
* Trains would depart in each direction on each night Sunday to Friday. There would be no departing trains on Saturday.
*Two diesel-electric locomotives were used for passenger and goods services - the locomotive arriving with the passenger train to Mildura at 7.30 a.m. would depart at 9 a.m. the same day with a goods train to Melbourne and the locomotive that arrived with the goods train at 2.30 p.m. left that same night with the passenger train for Melbourne.
The question of a daylight service between Melbourne and Mildura was raised by the Mildura Trades Hall Council and a response was received in March 1953. The Secretary for Railways (Mr. N. Quail) advised that a daylight train service would not only involve drastic alterations to branch line train services, but add to train mileage to cater for the large number of passengers who travelled by Mildura trains to and from stations between Melbourne and Maryborough. Mr. Quail also indicated that modern all-steel air-conditioned cars, under construction, would be placed on the service.
Mildura Shire Council renewed its attempt to have a buffet car attached to Mildura trains in a letter to the Commissioners on 10-3-1953. The response was again negative. The council was told that there would be insufficient patronage to warrant the heavy costs involved in providing the service and there were refreshment stops during the course of each journey.
The Mildura - Millewa Group of the Country Women's Association also called for a buffet car in May 1953 and this gave the Shire Council further cause to have another attempt when the Commissioners tour of inspection was scheduled in June.
The Commissioners inspected the north-west during June 1953 and met a deputation from the Mildura City and Shire councils at Mildura on 30-6-1953. Chairman of Commissioners, Mr. R. Wishart, told the councillors that they did not have any spare buffet cars and if there were one, it would run at a loss on the Mildura line. They said that no buffet car was a paying proposition unless it had a liquor licence. Mr. R.R. Etherington, of Mildura City Council proposed second class sleeping accommodation but the Commissioner responded by indicating that there was no rolling stock available even if they agreed to the proposition.
Mildura shire Council attacked the Victorian Railways at its meeting on 2-7-1953 following rejection of the buffet car. Cr. N. Barclay said that the only change that had come to the Mildura line was the elimination of two changes for passengers when the train went straight through to Melbourne. He also said that the diesel-electric locomotives had not done much to improve the service.
Agitation for a buffet car continued. At a meeting of the Sunraysia District Council of the Country Party (now National Party) at Mildura on 17-7-1953 there was a call for the complete overhaul of travelling facilities on the Mildura line. Speakers said that passengers on the Mildura line were treated poorly and the facilities provided were inadequate. A resolution was passed pressing for the introduction of a buffet car and better seating facilities for first and second class passengers.
A new timetable was introduced from Sunday 23-8-1953. The Mildura Express would leave Melbourne at the usual time of 9 p.m. but would arrive in Mildura half an hour later at 7.45 a.m. the following day. The train from Mildura would depart at 8.30 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. and arrive in Melbourne at the same time of 7.05 a.m. the following day. The lengthened journey was contributed to the poor state of the track from Donald to Mildura - the new diesel locomotives proving too heavy for the line. This was denied by the Railway Commissioners who claimed that a misunderstanding was possible as track repair work was currently being undertaken from Sutherland to Lascelles to improve passenger riding comfort. Trains were restricted to a 40 m.p.h. limit.
Travel times were eased from Tuesday 20-10-1953 when the 9 p.m. passenger train from Melbourne to Mildura, Sunday to Friday inclusive, was altered to arrive in Mildura at 7.35 a.m. (10 minutes earlier). The Ballarat to Woomelang rail car was also altered to depart Ballarat on Tuesday and Thursday at 4.15 p.m. and arrive in Woomelang at 9.25 p.m.
1954
The Chairman of the Railway Commissioners (Mr. R.G. Wishart) informed members of the Mildura City Council and Mildura Chamber of Commerce, that serious consideration was being given to reducing the frequency of services due to continued poor patronage on the Mildura line. The Chief Commissioner was speaking at Mildura railway station during his annual tour of inspection on 12-10-1954. He indicated that figures had begun to rise again and there would be no cuts to the service. Three sleeper carriages were attached to the Sunday night train from Mildura, indicating recovery from the decline in passenger numbers. The Chief Commissioner also indicated that new lounge-type carriages were being planned for the Mildura line.
1955
The news that buffet cars were to be introduced on the Horsham and Warrnambool lines stirred Mildura Chamber of Commerce into action once again to have a buffet car included on Mildura line trains. At its meeting on 6-6-1955, the Chamber of Commerce President (Mr. R.M. Linton) also indicated that the Chamber would also be seeking new refreshment rooms at Ouyen station.
An extra conductor was required from Melbourne to meet the demand for sleeping car passengers. The overnight Melbourne Express from Mildura had four sleeping cars attached on Monday 13-6-1955 - the first time so many sleeping cars had been scheduled on a normal service.
The quest for a buffet car on Mildura trains came to the fore again following successful trials of buffet cars on the Horsham and Warrnambool lines. Mildura Chamber of Commerce and Cr. N. Barclay M.L.A. both made renewed approaches to the Commissioners but were again rejected. The same reasons - lack of suitable rolling stock and predicted heavy losses - were given. Mildura Chamber of Commerce, however, reported at its meeting on 10-11-1955, that it was possible that a tray service could be provided as an alternative to a buffet car.
When the Commissioners met a deputation at Mildura during their visit on 13-12-1955, they informed the representatives that it would cost seventy pounds to run on each journey and with an average of little more than 50 passengers on each trip, a maximum of ten pounds was likely to be spent on meals, thus creating a big loss for the department. Commissioner Meyer told a Mildura City Council deputation that overall traffic on the Mildura line had dropped by 17½% over the previous twelve months and there was every justification economically for reducing the service to three trains a week.
A survey of Mildura businessmen by "Sunraysia Daily" newspaper following the Commissioners' visit revealed that improvements to the Mildura line passenger services were necessary to counteract road and air competition, particularly in the form of speedy, comfortable travel. Ansett Roadways Pty. Ltd. commenced inter-state coach operations from Mildura to Melbourne via Buronga (N.S.W.) in 1955 offering the rail service its first real competition. The Victorian Railways described this as a "phoney" interstate bus operation. 1956
Two trains departed Mildura on Monday 9-1-1956. The first train was scheduled to leave at 8.45 p.m. and stop at Irymple, Red Cliffs, Ouyen, Woomelang, Birchip, Donald, St. Arnaud, Bealiba, Dunolly, Maryborough, Talbot, Clunes, Creswick and Ballarat. The second train departed at 9.30 p.m. and stopped at stations the normal 8.30 p.m. train normally stopped.
Cr. A.R. Mansell M.L.C. made further representation to the Victorian Railways Commissioners regarding a buffet car and received a detailed response in January 1956. The response made the following points:
* Additional restaurant cars would have to be constructed if a service was to be introduced on the Mildura line.
* Provision of the cars would mean the employment of more staff because of the all-night run and a crew of two on each car would be needed for the service of light refreshments.
*The cost of wages for the necessary staff, spread over both trains (from Melbourne and from Mildura), would be 6,500 pounds a year.
*With the relatively light patronage, it is doubtful whether the revenue would exceed 10 pounds, resulting in an operating loss of 3,000 pounds a year.
*The provision of restaurant cars on the Mildura line could not be justified even if some increased patronage was obtained as the result of a more attractive service.
*An investigation into the provision of improved facilities at Ouyen for sales of pies and sandwiches at the kiosk on the platform would necessitate enlarging the premises. Operating costs would be greater while the existing business would merely be divided between the kiosk and the refreshment room. The Ouyen refreshment rooms were already operating at a loss.
*The provision of a mobile trolley service would mean the employment of additional staff without a corresponding increase in revenue.
A copy of the response was received by Mildura Shire Council at its meeting on 2-2-1956. Cr. N. Barclay M.L.A. told the meeting that the Victorian Railways did not want business and were not catering to passengers. He made the claim "What this state needs is another Sir Harold Clapp".
Mildura Chamber of Commerce, at its meeting on 9-1-1956, advocated an alternative daylight service to Melbourne from Mildura, with a dining car attached. The new daytime road coach service operated by Ansett Roadways was well patronised and it was suggested that a dining car with air-conditioned carriages would be more comfortable than the road service. The Chamber decided that it was futile to try and get a buffet car on the night train and a dining car would be able to provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea without having to scramble for food at Ouyen and Birchip. It was also claimed that businessmen generally went to Melbourne by plane, rather than train.
Air line advertisement from "Sunraysia Daily" 1953. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
The Chief Traffic Manager of the Victorian Railways (Mr. G. Rogers), in a letter presented at the Mildura Chamber of Commerce meeting on 13-2-1956, indicated that trials of a daylight Mildura line train service or alternatively, a balanced service of day and night trains, would be given if desired by the general public. The day trains would consist of only air-conditioned carriages. The day service could leave Melbourne at 7.50 a.m. and reach Mildura at 6.15 p.m., and leave Mildura at 9.15 a.m., reaching Melbourne at 7.13 p.m.
With a partial day and night service, trains would leave Melbourne at 9 p.m. on Sunday and Friday and at 7.50 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Trains would leave Mildura at 8.30 p.m. on Sunday and Friday and at 9.15 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The timing of daylight trains would fit in with meal requirements at Birchip and Maryborough.
The Mildura Chamber of Commerce discussed the issue at its meeting on 19-3-1956 and decided to oppose any alteration to the existing schedule.
The Minister for Transport (Mr. A. Warner) announced on 6-2-1956 that new steel air-conditioned carriages would be in service on the Mildura line by October 1956.
At its meeting on 16-4-1956, Mildura Chamber of Commerce decided that the decision on whether or not to support a daylight service was a matter for the general public and they would, instead, agitate for better refreshment facilities at Ouyen.
The Railway Commissioners informed Mildura City Council of their offer to run a mix of day and nights trains on the Mildura line. Council decided by a two to one majority at its meeting on 28-6-1956 to decline the offer.
A "war" between the railway department and bus operators to gain passenger traffic between Mildura and Melbourne broke out on 19-7-1956 when the railway fare for travellers joining the Melbourne Express between Mildura and Kiamal was cut. Six hours later Ansett Express service announced that the fare on its Buronga to Melbourne service would also be reduced.
Not long after the commencement of the cut in fares the train schedule between Melbourne and Mildura was amended to provide a faster service in both directions. From 13-8-1956, the train departure time from Mildura was altered to 8.55 p.m. with arrival in Melbourne at the same time of 7.25 a.m.. In the section between Ouyen and Woomelang, a total of 25 minutes would be gained on the old timetable. The train times from Melbourne to Mildura were not altered.
The Melbourne Express from Mildura was delayed by 20 minutes on 21-8-1956 as the result of the late arrival of the B Class diesel-electric engine hauling a goods train to Red Cliffs. It was practice for the diesel to disconnect from the goods train at Red Cliffs, run light engine into Mildura, and then attach to the Melbourne Express. A steam locomotive from Mildura would then go to Red Cliffs to complete the goods train's journey to Mildura.
The year 1956 was the year "Rock and Roll" music took over the world and it was this theme that Cr. A.R. Mansell M.L.C used when he spoke about the state of the Mildura line passenger service in the Legislative Council on 9-10-1956. Cr. Mansell said that Mildura people were "rockin' and rollin' " in the old type carriages being used on the Mildura line where they were forced to sit up all night on the longest passenger train journey in Victoria. Cr. Mansell also said he had been told by the Railway Commissioners that the new steel air-conditioned carriages with reclining seats were being built but there was no guarantee they would be on the Mildura line.
The Chief Commissioner of the Victorian Railways (Mr. E. Brownbill) announced to a deputation of Mildura City and Shire Councils and Mildura Chamber of Commerce representatives on 23-10-1956, that daylight trains would be given a trail in early 1957. Mr. Brownbill was in Mildura on the annual tour of inspection by Commissioners. He said that alternate day and night trains would be run, but one train would have to be deleted. The Commissioners would select the slackest day of the week for taking off this train. It must have been a confusing deputation for Mr. Brownbill as he was faced with Mildura Shire Council who asked for the daylight service, Mildura City Council who favoured the proposal only if there was no reduction in passenger, parcel and mail services, and Mildura Chamber of Commerce who opposed it. (The Chamber at its meeting on 12-11-1956 decided to take no action).
Mr. Brownbill also announced that coffee and tea urns would shortly be installed at Ouyen station kiosk to relieve congestion. He also stated that there was no possibility of the Commissioners placing a buffet car on the Mildura line. Policy was to reduce this type of service rather than expand it.
In response to a claim by Cr. W.J. Christie that dust storms in the mallee often made train travel uncomfortable on the Mildura line, and if the train were made more comfortable, they would not have the present opposition from road passenger services. Mr. Brownbill responded by stating that road passenger services could only maintain the present schedules by breaking the law.
1957
Additional trains were run for the Easter 1957 holiday period. Three trains departed Melbourne for Mildura on Thursday 18-4-1957 at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. (the usual train) and 9.40 p.m., arriving in Mildura the following day at 6.05 a.m., 7.30 a.m. and 8.40 a.m..
The Victorian Railway Commissioners announced in Melbourne on 31-7-1957 that a trial daylight service between Melbourne and Mildura and return would commence on 3-9-1957. The new train would be called the "Mildura Sunlight" and would run in each direction on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The new service would leave Melbourne at 7.50 a.m. and arrive in Mildura at 6 p.m.; and leave Mildura at 9.10 a.m. to arrive Melbourne at 7.10 p.m.
Night trains would run on Sunday and Friday leaving Melbourne at 9 p.m. and arriving Mildura the following day at 7.10 a.m.; and leave Mildura at 8.55 p.m. to arrive Melbourne at 7.05 a.m. the following day. There would be no trains between Melbourne and Mildura on Monday.
A feature of the service would be new steel air-conditioned AZ and BZ saloon type sitting cars.
Interior of 1AZ - the first of 26 new Z class cars constructed at Newport Workshops - with the open saloon arrangement seating 48 passengers. A glass partition separates smoking and non-smoking sections. The first of these cars went into service in 1957. Photo: Victorian Railways Neg. No. M-4742
The Mildura Sunlight service was introduced following representations made by the Shire of Mildura, however the announcement was strongly condemned by businessmen who claimed that any probable advantage would be offset by dislocation of mail services between the two cities. Mildura Chamber of Commerce did not oppose the daylight service but were opposed to the loss of Monday trains, mail and parcel services.
On the day prior to the first Mildura Sunlight service, the Victorian Railways newest and most powerful locomotive S300 "Mathew Flinders" was open for public display at Spencer Street with the AZ and BZ air conditioned saloon passenger cars. The display was only open for four hours and attracted three thousand people.
Press advertisement inviting an inspection of new locomotive S300 "Mathew Flinders" and AZ and BZ air-conditioned, steel, saloon carriages on 2-9-1957. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
A new S300 was open for inspection at Spencer Street station the day prior to hauling the inaugural Mildura Sunlight train. The locomotive was on display with the air-conditioned steel carriages to be included in the new daylight train service to Mildura. Photo: Victorian Railways Neg. No. M-5380
The Mildura Sunlight departed from Spencer Street on 3-9-1957 at 7.50 a.m. hauled by S300 "Mathew Flinders" on the first trip of this class to Mildura. On board for the first trip were the Chairman of the Commissioners (Mr. E.H. Brownbill), the Chief Traffic Manager (Mr. T.R. Collier) and Chief Mechanical Engineer (Mr. G.F. Brown). Mr. Brownbill would remain in Mildura on annual leave. The train arrived at 5.50 p.m. (10 minutes early) and was made available for public inspection with about four thousand people looking through S300 and the new carriages.
Advertisement published in "Sunraysia Daily" extending an invitation to the public to inspect the first "Mildura Sunlight" at Mildura station. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
Brand new S300 "Mathew Flinders" departing Ballarat with the inaugural Mildura Sunlight featuring the new AZ and BZ steel air-conditioned saloon carriages. 3-9-1957. Photo: W. Jack, ARHS Archives
In the opposite direction, a similar train with three of the new air-conditioned saloon carriages (included in the consist of the Sunday night train from Melbourne) departed Mildura at 9.10 a.m. and was due to arrive in Melbourne at 7.10 p.m..
First class saloon car 5AZ at Mildura 22.8.1981. This type of carriage first commenced running to Mildura on 3-9-1957. Photo: Bruce McLean
Economy class saloon car 3BZ at Mildura. 22-8-1981. Second class (later Economy class) BZ cars commenced running to Mildura on 3-9-1957. Photo: Bruce McLean
The Chairman of the Commissioners (Mr. Brownbill) gave a blunt warning that Mildura could lose its train service altogether unless it patronised the Mildura Sunlight train when he addressed the crowd of 1,500 people waiting for the new train to arrive. Mr. Brownbill was welcomed by the Mayor of the City of Mildura (Cr. W. Smith), Town Clerk (Mr. W.J. Downie), City Engineer (Mr. A. Thompson), councillors and the President of the Mildura Chamber of Commerce (Mr. J. Holt). Also present was the President of the Shire of Mildura (Cr. J. Henshilwood).
This is an extract from the report in "Sunraysia Daily" newspaper on 4-9-1957:
"This is our last throw for Mildura", said Mr. Brownbill, who travelled on the inaugural run of the new service from Melbourne to Mildura. Mr. Brownbill said the Sunlight Express was the best train in Australia and there was nothing better in the world. Each first class carriage is valued at 45,000 pounds. "Whether we'll keep it on this run depends on whether the people of Mildura like it - and if they like it, they will patronise it", he said.
If the new service continued to be patronised as well as the inaugural run had been, it would be kept on. But if patronage was unsatisfactory it would be taken off. "And then we'll decide whether to put any passenger trains at all on the run to Mildura", Mr. Brownbill said.
Originally the railways opened up Mildura but now the public was ignoring the service. "We've got advertising for Mildura splashed all over Melbourne and we're getting nothing in return for it", he said.
Mr. Brownbill said the Commissioners would consider provision of a buffet car on the Mildura service if patronage improved.
The district would also have to make up its mind if it wanted the goods service continued. The railways were getting manure, fertilisers and export produce, which were cut freight rates, "but when it comes to bringing things from Melbourne on high freight charges you are going over to road transport - and we miss out", Mr. Brownbill said.
Souvenir brochure provided to passengers travelling on the Mildura Sunlight. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
"Railway Transportation" - a monthly magazine devoted to rail transport issues - supported the Chief Commissioner's remarks with an editorial headed "Straight Talking Should Show Results". It went on to say "it's about time that some blunt talking occurred about the `blow-hot-blow-cold' behaviour of country people who benefit from the existence of their railways, who demonstrate so strongly at suggested rail withdrawals, but do little to support their services."
B83 stands at the head of the up Mildura Sunlight at Mildura on Wednesday 4-9-1957, the day after the inauguration of the new service. Photo: J.L. Buckland - Bruce McLean Collection
A concession mid-week rail fare was introduced by the Commissioners for a trial period of six months from 1-10-1957. It would only be available for the Mildura Sunlight services on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Preliminary figures for the first 11 days of the new service indicated that the total number of passengers travelling to and from Mildura was 1,600 compared with 1,369 in 1956.
Advertisement produced by the Victorian Railways for publication prior to launch of new Mildura Sunlight service. 1957. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
Advertisement prepared by the Victorian Railways Public Relations and Betterment Board for insertion in "Sunraysia Daily" newspaper published in Mildura. 1957. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
The Commissioners came to the north-west of Victoria for their annual inspection in November 1957. Prior to their visit, local civic groups assembled their grievances and requests, with Mildura Chamber of Commerce being the most vocal. When the Chairman of Commissioners (Mr. E. Brownbill) met the Chamber at Mildura on 12-11-1957, they told him that city business people were being forced to patronise other mediums of passenger and parcels travel, particularly for transport of perishable goods. They also asked for an earlier arrival of the Mildura Sunlight as business houses closed at 5.30 p.m. and the train did not arrive until 5.50 p.m. - making it impossible for perishable goods to be collected or delivered by carriers until the next day. This request was rejected, as there was no possibility of the train leaving Melbourne an hour earlier.
The Chamber also asked for a mid-week night service. The Commissioners also rejected this plan, as it would reduce the number of weekly services to four, making three night runs and one daylight service. It would also require two extra diesel locomotives.
The Commissioners were pleased with the increase in passenger traffic to date and estimated that the new daylight service would mean an extra 20,000 pounds in revenue a year from Mildura.
When the Commissioners met with representatives from the Shire of Mildura at Red Cliffs on 12-11-1957, they responded to another request for a buffet car by advising that a refreshment trolley service would be introduced on to Mildura trains. This was formally announced on 13-1-1958 but did not commence until 7-9-1958.
1958
Easter 1958 was a popular time for travelling by rail between Melbourne and Mildura. The additional trains between the two centres totalled eight over the Easter holiday period. Special train times were as follows:
Thursday 3-4-1958
Depart Melbourne: 7.10 p.m., 9 p.m. and 9.40 p.m.
Arrive Mildura next day: 6.05 a.m., 7.30 a.m., 8.40 a.m.
Depart Mildura: 8.55 p.m.
Arrive Melbourne next day: 7.05 a.m.
Monday 7-4-1958
Depart Mildura 8.55 p.m., 9.50 p.m.
Arrive Melbourne next day: 7.05 a.m., 7.30 a.m..
Tuesday 8-4-1958
Depart Mildura: 8.55 p.m.
Arrive Melbourne next day 7.05 a.m.
The Minister for Transport (Sir Arthur Warner) announced on 29-9-1958 that a light refreshment service would be introduced on Mildura Sunlight services between Melbourne and Ouyen from 7-9-1958. A trolley would be utilised and would hold a tea urn, sandwiches, biscuits, confectionary, soft drinks and cigarettes.
With the advent of daylight trains, the arrangements for Christmas holiday traffic in 1958 necessitated changes. The Mildura Sunlight was replaced on Christmas Eve (Thursday) 24-12-1958 by a night train in each direction.
1959
Easter holiday traffic was the same pattern as the previous year - three trains from Melbourne to Mildura and one additional train from Mildura to Melbourne.
On Easter Thursday, 26-3-1959, the Mildura Sunlight left in the morning at the usual time and in the evening trains were scheduled at 7.10 p.m., 9.00 p.m. and 9.40 p.m., arriving the following morning in Mildura at 6.05 a.m., 7.30 a.m. and 8.40 a.m. respectively.
From Mildura, the Mildura Sunlight left in the morning and an extra train was scheduled to depart at 8.55 p.m., arriving the next day in Melbourne at 7.05 a.m..
On Easter Monday trains departed Mildura at 8.55 p.m. and 9.50 p.m. An additional train also left Melbourne that night at 9 p.m.
On Easter Tuesday, in addition to the normal Mildura Sunlight service, an additional train departed Mildura at 8.55 p.m., arriving in Melbourne the following morning at 7.05 a.m.
Front cover of the Victorian Railways News Letter monthly magazine for June 1959. Car cleaner Joe Tandy at work cleaning Mildura Sunlight carriages is reflected through the batten-sided carriage shed. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
Mildura City Council made contact with the Railway Commissioners to press for an additional night train between Mildura and Melbourne. The response from the Commissioners, tabled at the council meeting held on 8-10-1959, stated that they did not intend to alter the present arrangements. A comprehensive canvass had been made in the Mildura area, and the views of passengers travelling on the Mildura Sunlight sought, whether a night train to Melbourne on Monday would be preferable to a day train on Tuesday.
Cr. A.R. Mansell M.L.C. indicated that he would seek figures on rail revenue between Melbourne and Mildura before and after the introduction of the Mildura Sunlight, from the Minister for Railways.
B65 waits at Mildura with the up "Mildura Sunlight" service to Melbourne. Photo: Victorian Railways
Additional trains were run for the Christmas holiday period. Two overnight trains were scheduled from Melbourne on Christmas Eve, Thursday 24-12-1959, at 9 p.m. and 9.05 p.m. (via Geelong), arriving the next day in Mildura at 7.20 a.m. and 8.20 a.m..
On Monday 28-12-1959, the official Boxing Day holiday, overnight trains were run from Melbourne at 9 p.m. and Mildura at 9 p.m..
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