Each sitting car had its own steward , the club car had 2 stewards. The stewards were full time and did not alternate cars.
When the train was not running each steward looked after the car he was allocated, cleaning & stocking the car.
Passengers received all service in their compartment. Except passengers who would spend time in the club car.
On board meals were prepared by a caterer and delivered to the train prior to departure. Prep of meals was done in the guards van, meals were stored in army hot boxes. drinks were served to passengers in their compartments by the car steward.
When the boarding call was made by the Spencer St. PA system all steward would step out of their cars in unison to welcome their passengers and check tickets.
On over night services such as Swan Hill passengers would place their bags in the guards van at Spencer St. On arrival at Swan Hill the bags would be placed in the passengers room at their accommodation.
Stewards all had the same uniform, white mess jacket with ML on the sleeves, wear a white shirt with a “bat wing collar” and black bow tie.
White gloves were worn by the stewards at all times including doing service.
The compartment tables had linen table cloths and napkins and the crockery all carried the Melb. Ltd. logo. (no plastic)
On disembarkation the car steward would be by the door of his car, on the platform to farewell his passengers.
