We absolutely love digging through the old “Letters to the Editor” sections found in our wonderful newspaper archives. They offer such a fascinating glimpse into everyday life, the frustrations,…

We absolutely love digging through the old “Letters to the Editor” sections found in our wonderful newspaper archives. They offer such a fascinating glimpse into everyday life, the frustrations, opinions and debates of the time.

Today, we’re talking railways - and more specifically, the “up” and “down” platforms at Brisbane’s Central Railway Station! Even back then, commuters were voicing their concerns about overcrowding, comfort and station facilities.

Here’s a letter sent to the editor at the time:

THE CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION - Friday 14th November 1890

Sir, Will you permit me to call the attention of the Railway Commissioners to the up and down platforms at the Central Station? The up platform can boast of partial shelter against the sun and rain, but there is absolutely none on the down platform, and the crowds of passengers (daily increasing) who use it can speak very feelingly of their suffering from the sun. What will they think, and what language will they use, when the summer catches them?

I consider such a state of affairs discreditable and intolerable to the travelling public, and one that will seriously affect the traffic. I do not blame the Commissioners; they would willingly complete the station, or at all events supply temporary accommodation, if they had the funds. But I think it their duty to press the Government strongly for them, and if they are refused, they will then be free from responsibility.

The wretched financial position in which the McIlwraith Government left matters prevented the station being completed, but the delay must not continue. The increasing traffic will force the hand of any Government that may be in power.

Returning to minor matters, I would suggest to the Commissioners that they should supply more seating accommodation, ladies especially being put to much inconvenience for want of it. The few seats now on the station are continually occupied by young fellows who do not show much consideration for the necessities of the fairer sex.

I think a few porters should also be employed to assist passengers with their luggage and give any information required. It would be wise, before this was done, to send a few of the station masters to Sydney to observe the almost perfect arrangements at the Central Station there. The introduction into this colony of those arrangements would be an immense boon to the travelling public.

—I am, & c., SUBURBAN.

And so, more than 130 years later, some things never really change! Brisbane commuters are still debating overcrowding, lack of seating, delays and station upgrades - although thankfully today we can complain about it instantly on social media instead of carefully writing a formal letter to the editor. One thing is certain: whether it’s 1890 or 2026, nobody enjoys standing on a hot platform waiting for a train!

Colourised image of central station ca. 1924 - Image Sourced from public‑domain originals and digitally brought back to life by the Dave & Malou Channel. Images have been colourised and digitally enhanced. Produced strictly for educational, non-commercial history sharing.