13/06/2026
“The find of the DECADE!”
We here at Ern Malley have been sitting on this revelation for a couple months now, unsure whether the power of this information would shatter the delicate tranquility we share here in South Australia. But, then, we remembered how dissatisfied we are with this so-called tranquility. So here goes…
Around the very start of April of this year, the staff at Ern Malley made a literally unbelievable discovery while hanging some new artwork purchased from Scammels Auction House… While removing a very poor imitation of a post-impressionist landscape from a decent frame, two documents fell to the ground. On top was a map, dating back to the beginning of the State Transport Authority in 1974 of an Adelaide City Public Transport Master Plan - that was never implemented!
Neatly tucked behind it, almost stuck together as if it had been lying there for 50 years, was a letter from the then CEO of General Motors, to the newly appointed Chairwoman of the State Transport Authority, Ethel Harris. The letter states in no uncertain terms that if the STA proceeds with this new master plan that General Motors will immediately cease all operations in South Australia. The CEO (not named here for fear of legal retribution by his estate) also states that as punishment for even thinking of investing in comprehensive public transportation he has decided to personally ensure that Adelaide never has a decent public transport system again.
The saddest part of all of this, is that for all of the people to find such a cataclysmic document for the history of South Australia, it had to be those running a bar named after a famous South Australian hoax. What are the chances…?
If anyone is interested in seeing the original map and letter they can come into Ern Malley during operating hours, purchase a drink and ponder what may have been.
ALSO NOW AVAILAIBLE FOR PURCHASE AS A POSTER (via website link in bio)
