b'June 2022 Trackwatch.qxp_Trackwatch Layout 119/06/20226:27 pmPage 29 Book ReviewA Spanner in the Works introduction ofThe extraordinary story of Alice the Once OverAnderson and Australias first all-girl Service, agarage scheduledservice everyAuthor: Loretta Smith 500 miles. ThisPublished by Hachette Australia involved delivery384 Pages before 9 andincluded taking itCousin Simon recommended A to pieces, and ifSpanner in the Works to me at a the cylinders needChristmas visit.After an interesting realigning andupbringing in the UK, Ireland and gaskets replacedAustralia which included close this was allconnections with John Monash, Alice completed includinglearnt at an early age the value of the usual oil, coolanthard work and education. In 1915 at and greasing requiredthe age of 18 her father, a man of and battery inspectionmany ideas and schemes, gave Alice and tested.All readythe keys to a luxury Hupmobile Tourer for a 5pm pick up thatwith the deposit paid and for Alice to same day.repay the balance of the loan. Being Further adventuresan enthusiastic believer in the future included driving to Aliceof the motor car and the business Springs with a companionprospects available, Alice badg- in a Baby Austin. Full ofered some mechanics to teach her drama and adventure,to drive, but only if she knew how Alices progressive life isto take an engine down and put it cut short early by her deathback together again.Learning to in 1926 with many questionsdrive on the Black Spur Road, the they had to make unresolved.With extensiveboggiest of mountain roads at the their own using a lathe at the notes, aBibliography andtime, Alice in 1916 took on driving an Garage. Christmas Day 1919 Alice Index, this book is a marvel-early motor coach over the Black Spur took possession of her bespoke lous read which includes earlyfrom Healesville to Marysville. Alice designed Garage, The Kew Garage. motoring history and descriptions ofwas the first woman to drive over the Offering mechanical services, driving daily life in the bush at Narbethong.Black Spur. and mechanical instruction, petrol Motoring has come a long way in theProgressing to running tours, driving sales, a 24-hour Chauffeur Service last 100 years although I am notpregnant women to hospital and and organised tours.Attendees at certain how many all female garagesupmarket shopping tours, Alice was the inaugural At Home at the garage there are today.paying off the Hupmobile. Eventually included Dame Nellie Melba, EdnaAlice set up a garage, training and Walling, Robert and Patty Menzies Prue Hasleremploying women only. As no spare and the Syme newspaper family. parts were commercially available,A first for Australia was theFriends of Farina, SAA number of Victorian four wheel drive club members have assisted, orcontinue to offer assistance at the ongoing restoration works at the old settle-ment of Farina in Outback SA.The Farina Restoration Group has done stirling work in restoring some of thebuildings, and in raising finances and awareness to continue their work.This year one of the highlights of the Groups projects is the expected arrivalof an NSU62 rail engine. Chairman Bill Brock said the railway precinct would be a hive of activity asrails are laid to house the engine, which the group has access to under agree-ment with Peterborough Steam Town.Finances permitting, the engine will be transported to its new home later inthe program, along with a one-man rail trolley that has been restored by theBarmera Mens Shed.Mr Brock said the old buildings required constant repointing and stabilisationand would continue to be part of the works program. Also expected this yearare the installation of new history boards. Volunteer facilities will be improvedwith the addition of a new shower and toilet block in the volunteer camp-ground.Farina Underground bakeryTRACKWATCH JUNE 202227'