Sunday Morning Trains To The Seaside Was Controversial In 1928
Until private motor cars became common in the 1950s, our public transport system was the chief means for most people to venture beyond walking distance from their homes.
It seems incredible now but the churches - particularly the Presbyterians, Baptists & Methodists - so dominated public affairs & attitudes as to be able to prevent Sunday morning public transport!
It is often argued that Archbishop Mannix and his Catholic flock held undue sway over politicians and people early last century - think B. A. Santamaria, the D.L.P., State funding of religious schools - but the Protestants raged from the pulpit too.
Sunday mornings were held sacrosant - 11 a.m. to 12 noon church attendance was seen as a a duty.
SUNDAY TRAINS TO SEASIDE.EARLY SERVICE RESUMED
The Railways Department has resumed running the Sunday morning trains from the northern suburbs to the seaside.
The time table for the train from Reservoir is as follows: -
Reservoir, 9.35; Regent, 9.38; Preston, 9.40; Bell, 9.42; Thornbury, 9.43; Croxton, 9.45; Northcote, 9.46; Merri, 9.47; Northcote Loop Junc., 9.49; North Fitzroy, 9.51; North Carlton, 9.54; Royal Park, 9.57; Flinders Street,. 10.7; Brighton Beach, 10.26; Hampton, 10.28; Sandringham, 10.31.
A train will also run from Heidelberg to Frankston on the following schedule :-
Heidelberg, 9.35 a.m.; Eaglemont, 9.37; Ivanhoe, 9.39; Darebin, 9.40; Alphington, 9.42; Fairfield Park, 9.44; Dennis, 9.46; Westgarth, 9.48; Clifton Hill, 9.50; Victoria Park, 9.52; Collingwood, 9.53; North Richmond, 9.55; West Richmond, 9.56; Jolimont, 9.58; Princes Bridge, 10.3; Mentone, 10.32; Parkdale, 10.35; Mordialloc, 10.38; Aspendale, 10.41; Edithvale, 10.43; Chelsea, 10.46; Bonbeach, 10.48; Carrum, 10.50; Seaford. 10.54; Frankston, 10.59.
The continuance of the trains will depend upon the patronage accorded them.
The Railways actually broke ranks with their Tramways competitors to have Sunday morning trains in 1928 - the Tramways held out until 1936.
The seaside Sunday morning trains were wanted by working class people - they were still locked in to the 6 day working week.
Being less able to afford private transport, and with a longer working week, Sunday public transport for brief recreation excursions was sought by working class families.
This reticence at the Tramways eventually cost the Chairman of the Board his post. This is written up on the website of the Tramways Museum.
Very quickly the approach changed - Sunday family excursion fares to the seaside were offered. 8/- fares became a 2/6 package deal.
The good Church going folk then argued these fares disadvantaged them as they declined recreation and entertainment pursuits on the day of the Lord.
They wanted the special excursion fares to apply on Saturday afternoons!
https://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/index.htmThe website contains some very interesting observations on the early 1900s Melbourne lifestyle.
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