Daily Gleaner, December 19, 1898
The Electric Tramway. TRIAL TRIP TO CONSTANT SPRING. SATISFACTORY RESULT. Yesterday a trial trip on the new electric car system was made from the Car Company's office, Orange Street, to Constant Spring. Mr. Henry Holgate superintended and acted as motor man; Mr. George Douglas carried out the conductor's duties: and amongst the party, which consisted chiefly of the principal officials of the company, were Mr. d'Aeth, of the Public Works Department, Mr. Pawsey, Mr. Wellesley Bourke, Mr. Foster Davis, Mr.Haggart, Councillor Watson and the GLEANER Representative. Motive power, supplied by the Electric Light and Power Company, was turned on at 10 o'clock precisely. Ten minutes later, a start was made before an admiring and enthusiastic crowd. Half-way Tree was reached in eight minutes. After a halt, the remainder of the journey was accomplished in twelve minutes. Success to the Company was briefly drunk in the Constant Spring Hotel, Councillor Watson alluding to the harmony which now existed between the two companies; photographs were taken; and the return journey was made as safely and successfully as the journey out had been. Needless to say the greatest excitement prevailed all along the road, consummated in the performance of a couple of cyclists, between Constant Spring and Half-way-Tree, who, taking fright at the unusual sight of a large horseless vehicle, tumbled off their wheels head over heels, as the car passed them. They were unhurt. The maximum speed run by the car was not more than 9 miles per hour. Mr. Holgate told our representative that the electric cars are quite ready to be run during Christmas week to Constant Spring, and it is to be hoped permission will be accorded the company to conduct this traffic. |
note the 'busses - hackney cabs