The Argus at KellyGang 3/9/1872 (2)
The pace slackened gradually, until one almost fancied that there would be a pause, but the task was overcome with credit, and the train hastened on to the Dividing Range . The North-eastern line opens up a country which only a small proportion of present Victorians are personally acquainted with. Passengers who assumed the office of guides gravely pointed to Mount Disappointment and the Plenty Ranges to the eastward, and said, "There's Mount Macedon," when that conspicuous land mark was dimly perceptible miles away to the west. Others commenced to look for the Big Hill at Kilmore, which the train never went near, soon after they were out of Broadmeadows.
One gentleman, for whom a penny newspaper was a sufficient occupation until the range was reached, from that time forth became an earnest inquirer after Reedy Creek. For 30 miles the watch was kept up, but unfortunately no one could point out Reedy Creek, and at least one of the 550 was disappointed with the trip. The ascent of the Dividing Range was so gradual that few were aware that the trouble had even commenced ere the train was careering gaily down the slope on the other side. The valley of the Dry Creek, at present a running stream, and the forest covered hills which wall it in, needed sunshine in order to seem cheerful, but the wattle trees fringing the watercourses which ran down the valleys in company with the railway were covered with a wealth of bright yellow blossoms.
The first section of the North Eastern line travels within view of few settlements at present. The townships are all upon the Sydney-road, which the railway crosses several times, but keeps away from as much as possible; for if it followed the road it would be led over awkward hills. No demonstrations were, therefore made in honour of the party at any of the stations. Wallan Wallan, where the engine tank was refilled with water, mustered only a porter and the half-dozen neighbours who tenanted the little dwelling-places erected round the station, and the platform at Kilmore East was occupied by some 10 or 12 spectators. Gavan Duffy town, or what ever the place be named, seems to be fading away again, and the greater part of its population has gone with the railway plant to other parts of the line.
The Railway department has not yet gone to the expense of painting any name on the hardwood structure which does present duty for a station-house. But it seems that the whole of the stations are merely temporary, and that in time brick buildings will be erected at the principal stopping-places. In the meantime, travellers will dispute, as they did good-temperedly yesterday, as to whether the station which occupies a retired position among the hills is Gavan Duffy or Kilmore and respectively cite the Gazette and the time-table as authorities, The Goulburn-bridge was crossed at a few minutes to 1 o'clock by the first train, and Seymour Station reached very soon afterwards. The journey had thus occupied two hours and a half, showing an average speed of 24 miles an hour.
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