A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - WordPress.com · 2013. 2. 8. · A Picture is Worth a...
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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Our latest adventure took us on a historical fact finding journey that uncovered some amazing details regarding the construction of the Kuranda rail link from Cairns to Kuranda in Queensland. Gold has been the traditional reason given for the construction of the line. After the initial rush to the Palmer River Gold Field, more gold was found inland from Cairns so a small fortune was spent and over 30 citizens perished during the construction of the line. During our investigation we saw no evidence of any gold nor were we able to find anyone that could tell us where we might find some of the precious metal. Our suspicions aroused, we headed for the local archives and after searching dozens of photographs we were able to come up with a more rational explanation for such a mammoth task. Firstly there was a gold rush but of a different type. The folk at Kuranda having excellent access to pure river water had for years been producing a truly excellent beer. Meanwhile down in Cairns the beer was a product of what was basically swamp water and although having a unique flavour it was ... well let's just say it wasn't going to win any prizes. Even today your basic XXXX beer has a distinctive odour. So the stage is set for the liquid gold rush. Funds are raised, engineers employed and labour set to the task. Now I know your thinking this is a bit far-fetched, but hang on a minute and consider the facts … beer is a very popular drink in Australia especially in the tropic regions around Cairns. 1. Better beer is always sought after because ... well its better. 2. We found no evidence of gold. 3. We did find archival photographs showing without doubt that the construction of the line was beer driven. 4. All previous accounts relating to construction were written by people who, if they are not dead already, soon will be. They are therefore very old and as a result unreliable or demented. 5. The following three photographs taken at the actual time of construction and totally unedited are absolute proof of the real reason for the construction of the line. Picture One shows that the line was definitely built and by some mighty thirsty looking characters. You will note they have the look of hardened swamp ale drinkers, not at all cultured in appearance or demeanor. Picture Two is the obvious effect of too much rushing to get the first load of “gold” down the hill. In this picture you will note the heavy jacks brought in to raise the train off its precious cargo, and the anguished look on the faces of the expectant drinkers. Picture Three, now this is the clincher. The train wrecked beyond repair, the crew and anxious soon-to-be-drunk drinkers, left with no alternative, manhandle the precious cargo to is final destination. And there endeth the history lesson.
Transcript of A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - WordPress.com · 2013. 2. 8. · A Picture is Worth a...
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Our latest adventure took us on a historical fact finding journey that uncovered some amazing details regarding the construction of the Kuranda rail link from Cairns to Kuranda in Queensland. Gold has been the traditional reason given for the construction of the line. After the initial rush to the Palmer River Gold Field, more gold was found inland from Cairns so a small fortune was spent and over 30 citizens perished during the construction of the line. During our investigation we saw no evidence of any gold nor were we able to find anyone that could tell us where we might find some of the precious metal. Our suspicions aroused, we headed for the local archives and after searching dozens of photographs we were able to come up with a more rational explanation for such a mammoth task. Firstly there was a gold rush but of a different type. The folk at Kuranda having excellent access to pure river water had for years been producing a truly excellent beer. Meanwhile down in Cairns the beer was a product of what was basically swamp water and although having a unique flavour it was ... well let's just say it wasn't going to win any prizes. Even today your basic XXXX beer has a distinctive odour. So the stage is set for the liquid gold rush. Funds are raised, engineers employed and labour set to the task. Now I know your thinking this is a bit far-fetched, but hang on a minute and consider the facts … beer is a very popular drink in Australia especially in the tropic regions around Cairns. 1. Better beer is always sought after because ... well its better. 2. We found no evidence of gold. 3. We did find archival photographs showing without doubt that the construction of the line was beer driven. 4. All previous accounts relating to construction were written by people who, if they are not dead already, soon will be. They are therefore very old and as a result unreliable or demented. 5. The following three photographs taken at the actual time of construction and totally unedited are absolute proof of the real reason for the construction of the line. Picture One shows that the line was definitely built and by some mighty thirsty looking characters. You will note they have the look of hardened swamp ale drinkers, not at all cultured in appearance or demeanor. Picture Two is the obvious effect of too much rushing to get the first load of “gold” down the hill. In this picture you will note the heavy jacks brought in to raise the train off its precious cargo, and the anguished look on the faces of the expectant drinkers. Picture Three, now this is the clincher. The train wrecked beyond repair, the crew and anxious soon-to-be-drunk drinkers, left with no alternative, manhandle the precious cargo to is final destination. And there endeth the history lesson.
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
*Take special note of the XXXX on the barrel the sign of swamp water free ale.
