Wellington's steam-tram service opened 24 Aug 1878

A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa

Wellington's steam-trams were the first in the Southern Hemisphere

Trams, Steam trams, Transport, Wellington, Horses

The Wellington steam-tram service, which began on 24 August 1878, was the first in the Southern Hemisphere. The steam-generated engines pulling passenger trams were operated by the private company, Wellington City Tramways Company Ltd. The steam trams led to complaints over the noise and soot from the coke-fired engines, and collisions with horse-drawn carts resulted in civil court cases. After experiencing financial difficulties, the Company decided on 24 December 1879 to go into voluntary liquidation and was eventually sold to private owners. Horse-drawn trams were reintroduced in 1882 which led to the steam-powered trams being withdrawn from service. After being leased for eight years from 1890, the tramway operation was sold in 1900 to the Council's Wellington Corporation Tramways Department, which introduced electric trams four years later. 

Opening Day, 24 August 1878

Image: Bragge, James: Merryweather steam tram locomotives `Florence' & `Hibernia' with their trailers at Adelaide Road depot on the corner of King Street, Newtown, Wellington

Steam engines 'Florence' & 'Hibernia' & passenger tram-cars at the Wellington Depot on the opening day, 24 Aug 1878

Bragge, James: Merryweather steam tram locomotives `Florence' & `Hibernia' with their trailers at Adelaide Road depot on the corner of King Street,...

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Image: Steam trams, and men, outside the Wellington City Tramways depot, Newtown, Wellington

The opening day festivities were held at the Wellington City Tramways depot

Depot was sited on the corner of Adelaide Road & King Street in Newtown

Steam trams, and men, outside the Wellington City Tramways depot, Newtown, Wellington

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Image: His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, Governor of New Zealand

Opening ceremony was performed by Governor Phipps, Marquess of Normanby

Sir George Augustus Constantine Phipps was appointed 7th Governor of NZ: 3 Dec 1874– 21 Feb 1879

His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, Governor of New Zealand

Trove

Ceremony began with a procession consisting of 3 engines, each drawing a car, followed by 3 other cars drawn by horses

The procession of trams was followed by speeches & a banquet for 200 guests

OPENING OF THE TRAMWAY. (Evening Post, 26 August 1878)

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Article: "Three engines and three carriages have been running all day. The carriages were full each way."

"Over twelve hundred people travelled...way up to three o'clock. Horses shied occasionally, but no accident occurred."

OPENING OF THE WELLINGTON STEAM TEAMWAY. (Wanganui Herald, 27 August 1878)

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Backstory: The Tramway's beginnings

LEGISLATION: TRAMWAYS ACT 1872 

Tramways Act 1872 allowed for the establishment of horse or steam tramways

Both local authorities and private companies were able to run services

22. Tramways Act 1872

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A description of the key provisions of the Tramways Act, including funding of trams, was given in newspapers

THE TRAMWAYS ACT. (Otago Witness, 30 November 1872)

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Wellington tramway, 1873 - 1877

Tramway constructed by O'Neill, Macdonald & Henderson

A proposal for constructing and operating the tram was submitted to the Wellington City Council which was also known as the Wellington City Corporation (and also known as the Corporation of the City of Wellington). The Wellington City Corporation was constituted in 1870 under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1867, to administer local government in Wellington and replaced the Wellington Board of Works.  Prior to 1974, the administrative body for Wellington city was legally the Wellington City Corporation. Officially the term 'Council' referred to the mayor and councillors only.  (Source: Archives Online: Wellington City Council)

28 Jan 1873: Proposal to Wellington Council to develop a tramway submitted by "O'Neill, Thomas & Co."

Charles O'Neill (engineer), who initiated having a tramway, formed a team with Thomas Macdonald & John Henderson

STREET TRAMWAY. (Wellington Independent, 18 February 1873)

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Image: Charles Gordon O’Neill, 1874

A "Deed of Construction" dated 23 March 1876 granted by Wellington City Corporation to build & run tramway for 10 yrs

O'Neill's co-planners Macdonald (Chief engineer Messrs Brogden & Sons) & Henderson (accountant) were also councillors

Charles Gordon O’Neill, 1874

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Article summarises initiatives & planning steps taken from 1875 to 1878 to develop the tramway service

THE WELLINGTON CITY STEAM TRAMWAYS. (Otago Daily Times, 01 January 1879)

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 The Deed of Construction issued by the Wellington City Corporation included the following provisions which were outlined by the Otago Daily Times, 1 January 1878:

"The deed the Corporation granted the promoters power to break up the streets and lay the tramway, and to run vehicles thereon subject to certain restrictions, whilst the promoters on their part bound themselves to commence the work within six months, and complete it within 18 months. The agreement was for ten years, and the Corporation reserved power to require the  extension of the line in any direction by giving twelve months' notice, but this power only extended to the nine years of the agreement... The Corporation have the right to purchase at the end of ten years by giving six months' notice, and if this right is not exercised, the promoters may take up and remove the tramway, or sell to other parties on such terms as to an extension of tenure as may be settled by arbitration with the Corporation.

On 29 June 1876, the order giving the power to construct the tramways was issued which confirmed terms of Council's deed

The order was issued by Sir William Fitzherbert, then Superintendent of Wellington Province

WELLINGTON. (Wanganui Chronicle, 30 June 1876)

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Advert for tenders by 27 July 1876 for the construction and completion of the Wellington City Tramway

On 9 Oct, tender by Mr Samuel Brown for construction of the line & supply of material, accepted for £13,000

Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Evening Post, 18 July 1876)

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2 Nov 1876: Wellington City Tramways Company, Limited to be incorporated under "The Joint Stock Companies' Act, 1860"

Abridged Prospectus listed a capital of £40,000, in 8000 shares of £5 each. (Article lists Clauses 1-11 of 15 clauses)

Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 02 November 1876)

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(Article lists Clauses 12-15 of the abridged Prospectus)

Page 3 Advertisements Column 6 (Evening Post, 02 November 1876)

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18 Dec 1876: "The Wellington City Tramway Company Limited" pamphlet was issued for shareholders

It was illustrated by maps and diagrams

The Evening Post. MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1876. (Evening Post, 18 December 1876)

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9 Jan 1877: "WELLINGTON STREET TRAMWAY. The contract for the construction of Wellington street tramway has been signed"

"Locomotives, carriages, and rails have been ordered from England; and the work will begin to-day."

LATEST TELEGRAMS. (Star, 09 January 1877)

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Sold to Wellington City Tramways Co. Limited, 1877

Mr. J. Henderson (a Councillor) advised Wellington Council (11 Oct 1877) he had taken over the Tramway Company

The interest of Charles O'Neill & T. K. MacDonald (also a Councillor) in the Tramway had been transferred to Henderson

CITY COUNCIL. (Evening Post, 12 October 1877)

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Syndicate of 11 Directors formed

A notice dated 14 November 1877. appeared in the Evening Post (17 Nov 1877) advertising the Wellington City Steam Tramway Co., with a capital of £50,000, in 10,000 shares of £5 each.

A syndicate of 11 directors had been formed: John Henderson, (Civil Engineer), Robert Greenfield (Merchant). Henry Mace (Brewer), H. W. Diver (M.R.C.P.),  E. W. Mills (Merchant), T. K. Macdonald (Accountant), John Sheehan (M.H.R.),  C. W. Schultze, (Merchant), Edward Toomath (who was appointed as the chairman), W. T. R. Travers (Solicitor) &. W. Conyers (Civil Engineer, Christchurch). The following were also listed: Bankers: The Bank of New Zealand; Engineer: J. R. Davis; Solicitors: Messrs. Travers - Ollivier and Co.; &  Auditors: C. C. Graham and C. P. Powles, Esq.     

Advert (17 Nov 1877) The Wellington City Tramways Company (Limited). Incorporated under Joint Stock Companies Act, 1860

Lists the 11 Directors, Banker (BNZ) & that the company has a capital of £50,000, in 10,000 shares of £5 each

Page 1 Advertisements Column 1 (Evening Post, 17 November 1877)

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Tram line:

A description of where the tram line was to be laid was given in the Otago Daily Times (1 January 1878)

"The route along which the line was to be laid extended from the Railway station at Pipitea Point, and from thence along Thorndon and Lambton Quays to Willis street, and along Willis street to Manners street, and along Manners street to Cuba street, and along Cuba street to Ingestre street, and along Ingestre street to Vivian street, and along Vivian street to Cambridge terrace roadway, and along Cambridge terrace roadway to Sussex square, and from thence along the northern, eastern and southern sides of Sussex square to the Adelaide road, and along the Adelaide road to a point at or near Drummond street; and also along Grey street from Lambton Quay to the east side of Custom House Quay. Exclusive of the short branch line from Lambton Quay through Grey street to the Queen's Wharf, this would give a length of line of about 3¼ miles."

Image: Lambton Quay, Wellington

The tramway was constructed from the Depot to the Government Buildings in Lambton Quay via Vivian & Cuba Streets

The track was laid to a gauge of three foot six inches (1067 mm)

Lambton Quay, Wellington

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Steam-engines

A description of the steam-engines was given in the Otago Daily Times (1 January 1878):

 The Company ordered "eight steam carriages, made by Messrs Merryweather and Sons, of London, and patented by them. These consist of a boxed-in car in which is placed a wooden cased engine, similar in appearance to those used in steam launches. On the top of the car is placed a large tank capable of holding about two tons of water. The escape steam of the boilers is supposed to pass through this water and condense, but this it does not do effectually, and the one objection to these engines is the escape of uncondensed steam in clouds from the tank. This is apt to frighten horses. There is, however, no noise connected with the escape, nor does the working of the engine cause any noise. The smoke also is perfectly condensed. These engine cars are capable of going at great speed, and make less rattle than an ordinary buggy. They are fitted with such powerful breaks that even when going ten miles an hour they can be brought to an absolute stand still within a very few feet, about their own length in fact. No horse-drawn vehicle going at the same pace could be stopped in four times the distance. These engine cars landed here cost about £975 each. ...The consumption of coal in each engine is about 78cwt. for 12 hours' running. "

Image: Steam tram, Lambton Quay, Wellington

The steam engines were supplied by Merryweather & Sons Ltd, England, & the tram-cars by John Stevenson & Co of New York

Steam tram, Lambton Quay, Wellington

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Passenger cars

The following description of the passenger cars was also given in the Otago Daily Times (1 January 1878):

"The passengers are conveyed in cars manufactured by Messrs John Stevenson and Co., Limited, of New York, and are admirable specimens of combined strength and lightness. Eight of them are what are termed "Hoboken" cars. They are most comfortably cushioned and backed, and are fitted with brilliant lights for night traffic. It is quite easy to read in them at night, and they are airy, well ventilated, and comfortable. The whole length of the upper panels is flayed. The seats are lengthways, and there is a platform and entrance at each end. Above each seat there runs a wire which any passenger can pull and sound the bell for stopping. There are nets above for small parcels, and straps at frequent intervals for persons who wish to stand up or move about to hold on by. The platforms at each end are reached by a broad step about sixteen inches only from the surface of the street, so that even women and children experience no difficulty in entering or leaving the cars. In addition to the eight "Hoboken" cars there are six smaller cars of the " Wilmington" pattern, fitted up in a similar manner to the former. These cost about £325 each landed here, and the "Hoboken" ones about £450 each, The large cars seat 22 people, and the small ones 14 but there is standing room for a much larger number in each. All the cars are severed in their bodies from the running gear by india rubber insulator springs, which effectually destroy all jar and render the motion delightfully smooth and pleasant. There are also on the line four strong goods carriages which cost £150 each."

Image: Lambton Quay

Horses were also used to pull some of the tram carriages

A horse tram is shown making the trip from Courtenay Place to the Government Buildings on Lambton Quay

Lambton Quay

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4 July 1878: Newspaper reported the Company's directors had appointed Mr. W. V. Jackson as the general manager

Jackson was formerly leaseholder operator of the Queen's Wharf

Evening Post. THURSDAY, JULY 4, 1878. (Evening Post, 04 July 1878)

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Governor paid a private visit of inspection to the Wellington Tramway on 23 Aug 1878, the day before the opening

He was shown around by the manager Mr. Jackson & directors - Dr. Diver, Mr. T. K. Macdonald & Mr. Greenfield

INSPECTION OF THE TRAMWAY BY THE GOVERNOR. FURTHER SUCCESSFUL TRIALS. (Evening Post, 23 August 1878)

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Opening Day, 24 August 1878

Image: Wellington Tramways Company Limited

During opening day speeches, it was stated the tram line, engines, & carriages, with other expenses, had cost £40,000

Another £60,000 would need to be spent "before they put Wellington in complete tramway communication"

Wellington Tramways Company Limited

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

STEAM TRAM SERVICE BEGINS OPERATING 

Company meeting (2 Sept 1878): Average weekly receipts £200, & working expenses £114, leaving profit of £86

The returns for the week ending Saturday show 15,376 passengers, against 15,178 during the previous week

WELLINGTON. (Thames Star, 25 September 1878)

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Advert (2 Sept 1878) inviting tenders for advertising inside & outside 14 tram cars & on the back of passenger tickets

Advert placed by W. V. Jackson, Manager

Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Evening Post, 02 September 1878)

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Image: Morgan Stanislaus Grace

During 1878, Dr. Grace replaced Toomath as chairman of shareholder's meetings

Dr. Morgan Stanislaus Grace had purchased Mr Toomath's interest in Tramways company

Morgan Stanislaus Grace

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

7 Sept 1878: To enable cars to pass one another, a new loop-siding to be constructed in lngestre St

Also reported a tramway engine narrowly escaped a breakdown as water in boiler allowed to get too low

Evening Post. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7.1878. (Evening Post, 07 September 1878)

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Advert (20 Sept 1878) for the tram's timetable posted by "R. Greenfield, Manager" who'd replaced Jackson

Page 4 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 20 September 1878)

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Article (9 Dec 1878) The Tramway Company altered some of the rail line's curves

"This was in consequence of the cars being so frequently thrown off the line."

LATEST TELEGRAMS (Star, 09 December 1878)

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Image: Government Buildings

The tram Zealandia (Number 4) in the foreground

Government Buildings

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Notice (24 Dec 1878) for Boxing Day: "The tramway time-table will also be altered to suit the convenience of the public"

The Foresters' sports at the Basin Reserve on Boxing Day was expected to be popular with the Governor present

BOXING DAY AMUSEMENTS. (Evening Post, 24 December 1878)

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Advert (30 Dec 1878) for amended timetable for New Year's Day

Page 3 Advertisements Column 4 (Evening Post, 30 December 1878)

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Notice (18 Jan 1879): Tramway Company to provide Council with a statement of receipts & disbursements for end of 1878

THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE TRAMWAY. (Evening Post, 18 January 1879)

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Image: Bank of New Zealand, Lambton Quay

Tram tracks can be seen running down Lambton Quay

On the corner of Lambton Quay and Customhouse Quay is the Bank of New Zealand

Bank of New Zealand, Lambton Quay

Wellington City Libraries

10 Feb 1879: "THE TRAMWAY. The tramway carriages during the last two days carried over 7500 persons"

WELLINGTON. (Wanganui Chronicle, 10 February 1879)

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Letter to the Editor (12 Aug 1879) wanted tramway extended to the bottom of the Adelaide Road and Courtenay Place

THE TRAMWAY AND COURTENAY PLACE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING POST. (Evening Post, 12 August 1879)

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Advert (31 Dec 1879): Merryweather & Sons: Steam Tram Engines, Tramway Cars, and Rolling stock

Sole NZ agents: W. & G. TURNBULL & CO., Wellington.

Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Evening Post, 31 December 1879)

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Image: A steam tram on Lambton Quay in the early 'eighties. (Evening Post, 08 February 1935)

Fleet grew to 8 steam-powered engines: Florence, Hibernia, Wellington, Zealandia, Victoria, Cambria, Scotia & Anglia

Plus, 14 passenger cars & four goods wagons

A steam tram on Lambton Quay in the early 'eighties. (Evening Post, 08 February 1935)

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Complaints: Noisy, polluting, danger to horses

27 Aug 1878: "TRAMWAY ACCIDENT. Minor accidents in the streets from the running of the tramway are increasing."

"They are mostly confined to bolting horses."

TELEGRAPHIC. (Auckland Star, 27 August 1878)

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Newspaper reported (5 Sept 1878) the cabmen & cab proprietors of Wellington have presented a petition to his Excellency

The petition called for the replacement of steam trams with cabs drawn by horses

Evening Post. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1878. (Evening Post, 05 September 1878)

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Advert (6 Sept 1878): £5 reward for information on "person or persons who maliciously placed stones on the tramway line"

Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 06 September 1878)

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18 Nov 1878: Civil case for damages through horses being frightened by an engine attached to the steam cars

As plaintiffs did not appear, his Worship ordered them to pay £2 13s. costs

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. THIS DAY. (Evening Post, 18 November 1878)

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2 Dec 1878: Civil case over a collision between one of the defendant's engines and a cart driven by the plaintiff

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. (Evening Post, 02 December 1878)

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Dec 1878: Petition against trams as being a nuisance

WELLINGTON STEAM TRAMWAYS. (Evening Post, 06 December 1878)

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Advert (19 Feb 1879): Passenger who'd mistakenly paid with a half-sovereign instead of 6 pence to be reimbursed

They'd receive less the sixpence & cost of the advertisement from James McGrath, Guard, Wellington City Tramway Co.

Page 3 Advertisements Column 4 (Evening Post, 19 February 1879)

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9 Jan 1879: Civil case for damages for injuries sustained to a horse and cart

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. (Evening Post, 09 January 1879)

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28 Jan 1879: Person accidentally killed jumping off a tram before it had come to a halt

WELLINGTON. (Thames Star, 28 January 1879)

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12 July 1879: Civil case over damage to a cart which was in a collision with a tram

Evening Post. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1879. (Evening Post, 14 July 1879)

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Image: 1879 Petition against Steam Trams

Petition to Governor Sir Hercules Robinson requesting “the use of animal power only” dated 4 Dec 1879

Steam driven trams “not only unnecessary and a nuisance, but is dangerous and serious impediment to ordinary traffic"

1879 Petition against Steam Trams

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Financial concerns

On 23 June 1879, shareholders' meeting agreed to empower directors to borrow money to pay off portion of overdraft

Chairperson Grace stated the directors only required the money until £25,000 worth of unsold shares were sold

WELLINGTON TRAMWAY COMPANY. (Evening Post, 24 June 1879)

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23 Sept 1879: The first balance-sheet showed that £9,018 was received for fares during the last twelve months

The current expenses, including renewals, maintenance &c, for the same period was £8,314. The item interest was £1,945.

WELLINGTON, this day. CURIOUS CAUSE OF FIRE. (Auckland Star, 23 September 1879)

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Company's shareholder's meeting (1 Oct 1879) outlined financial position & no. of trips: 13,863 & passengers: 598,428

Proposed regular stopping places for trams rather than when required to reduce wear & tear, & a new ticketing system

Untitled (Evening Post, 02 October 1879)

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SHAREHOLDERS RAISEd ISSUES IN LETTERS TO EDITOR 

25 Nov 1879: A private meeting of shareholders discussed concerns over misrepresentation of shares in the prospectuses

They appointed a committee, which included former manager Jackson, to restrain the Directors from requesting payment

THE TRAMWAY COMPANY. (Evening Post, 26 November 1879)

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Jackson's letter to the Editor (29 Nov 1879) on the financial situation of the company and the issuing of shares

During the shareholders' meeting, Jackson had objected to empowering directors to borrow to pay the overdraft

THE TRAMWAY COMPANY. (Evening Post, 29 November 1879)

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Grace's letter to Editor (2 Dec 1879): Raises concerns as a holder of shares

Morgan S. Grace was still the Chairman of Wellington Tramway Co. Ltd

THE TRAMWAY COMPANY. (Evening Post, 02 December 1879)

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Turner's response to Grace (3 Dec 1879) in a letter to the Editor

THE TRAMWAY COMPANY. (Evening Post, 03 December 1879)

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Grace's rejoinder to Turner (9 Dec 1879) which prompts reply from the Editor that the correspondence is now closed

THE TRAMWAY COMPANY. (Evening Post, 04 December 1879)

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W.C.T. Company Ltd to be placed into liquidation 

On 23 Dec 1879, shareholders agreed to dissolve Wellington City Tramways Co., Limited

At the special extraordinary meeting, the company's financial situation was outlined to the shareholders present

THE TRAMWAYS COMPANY. (Evening Post, 23 December 1879)

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24 Dec 1879: Article briefly stated, "The Tramway Company have decided to wind up voluntarily."

(Article also advised of the death of passenger when leaving a tram)

TELEGRAPHIC. (Auckland Star, 24 December 1879)

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A letter to the Editor (29 Dec 1879) on reconciling the Company's balance sheet

WELLINGTON CITY TRAMWAYS COMPANY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING POST. (Evening Post, 29 December 1879)

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Shareholders' meeting held 8 Jan 1880 formally agreed the company to be wound up voluntarily

This move was in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Stock Companies Act, 1860

Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Evening Post, 17 February 1880)

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Correspondent (24 Jan 1880) details the financial concerns of the shareholders

WELLINGTON. (Otago Daily Times, 24 January 1880)

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Company auctioned, March 1880

24 March 1880: Auction held of "the plant, stock, privileges, &c, of the Wellington City Tramway Co."

New owner was sole bidder Mr. Edward William Mills (syndicate member) who bid £19,250 & became the Director

SALE OF THE TRAMWAY PLANT. (Evening Post, 24 March 1880)

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ShAreholders' Court case, April 1880

Court case (20-24 April 1880) to set aside the sale of Wellington Tramway to W.C.T. Co Ltd in Oct 1877

Case was brought by James Lockie, Paul Blingdon, W. V. Jackson, S. Brown & W. R. Williams on behalf of shareholders

SUPREME COURT. CIVIL SITTINGS This Day. (Evening Post, 20 April 1880)

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Case was against those who'd sold the company & became the provisional directors of Wellington City Tramways Co Ltd

The shareholders argued that the "defendants were intimately interested in the company"

SUPREME COURT. CIVIL SITTINGS. YESTERDAY (Before his Honor the Chief Justice.) (Evening Post, 21 April 1880)

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The Civil case was heard over several days in the Supreme Court

SUPREME COURT. CIVIL SITTINGS. YESTERDAY. (Before his Honor the Chief Justice.) (Evening Post, 22 April 1880)

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Each day's proceedings provide further background information about the Company

THE AUSTRALIAN MUTUAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY. (Evening Post, 23 April 1880)

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The court case concluded & the jury found for the plaintiffs

THE TRAMWAYS CASE. (Evening Post, 24 April 1880)

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On 1 Sept 1880, the Judge ruled the relief sought by the plaintiffs was not possible

They'd wanted the purchase of Company to be set aside & £40,000 refunded to the Company, or Company be refunded £13,000

SUPREME COURT.-IN BANCO. This Day. (Evening Post, 01 September 1880)

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New owners: Grace, Greenfield & Stewart, 1880 

During 1880, there was another change in the Company's ownership: "After running for a number of years at serious loss, the whole interest was purchased by Dr. Grace and Messrs. Greenfield and Stewart.Source:  Evening Post (1 Oct 1900)   

24 Sept 1880: Meeting of the Company's shareholders held to discuss the financial proposition from a potential purchaser

If the shareholders agreed to the sale they would no longer be involved with the Company which suited them

THE WELLINGTON TRAMWAY COMPANY. (Evening Post, 25 September 1880)

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FINANCIAL ISSUES WITH SHAREHOLDERS CONTINUED 

Tramway's former Director Edward Mills had financial difficulties & a creditors' meeting was held on 16 March 1881

Assets listed included Tramway shares

MEETING OF THE CREDITORS OF MR. E. W. MILLS. (Evening Post, 17 March 1881)

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Edward Mills was declared bankrupt on 25 Oct 1881

Page 3 Advertisements Column 6 (Evening Post, 26 November 1881)

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Advert: "All the Right, Title, Estate, and Interest" in Tramways held by Mills to be auctioned on 28 April 1882

Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 21 April 1882)

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Advert that Mills will be selling his interest in Tramways on 5 May 1882

Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 04 May 1882)

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Share certificates and debentures owned by Mills listed for sale at auction on 7 June 1882

Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Evening Post, 02 June 1882)

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On 7 June 1882: Lot 9: Debentures in the Wellington City Tramway sold to Mr. J. H. O. Schwartz for £15

Lot 10: Interest of E. W. Mills in the Tramway sold to Mr. J. H. Keep for £95

Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Evening Post, 08 June 1882)

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horse-drawn trams re-introduced in 1882

Image: Horse-drawn tram bound for Courtenay Place, Wellington

Horse-drawn trams were introduced as cheaper to operate

Horse-drawn tram bound for Courtenay Place, Wellington

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18 Oct 1882: Company advises they'd oppose City Council licensing vehicles & drivers

If licensing went ahead, the Company would threaten to discontinue running the trams

The Wellington Tramways. (Star, 18 October 1882)

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Council stated (26 Oct 1882) the tramways loss "was upwards of £1100" for previous year

WELLINGTON ITEMS. (Star, 27 October 1882)

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Tramways auctioned to Grace & Greenfield, Jan 1884

5 Jan 1884: Tramways was advertised for sale with an auction to be held on 19 Jan 1884

The sale by the Proprietary was "in consequence of a dissolution of partnership between the members of the Proprietary"

Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Evening Post, 05 January 1884)

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19 Jan 1884: Dr Grace & Mr Greenfield purchased the Tramway for £15,075

"The whole of the freehold land, plant, etc., belonging to the Wellington City Tramway Company" was sold by auction

INTERPROVINCIAL. (Marlborough Express, 19 January 1884)

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End of an era for steam trams by 1885? or 1892?

After the horse-drawn trams were reintroduced in 1882, steam trams also continued to be used at first.  According to MOTAT, "The last steam-drawn tram was withdrawn from service in 1892."  

The Evening Post (25 August 1928), when reporting on the tramway's 50-year jubilee, had stated that "jiggers" had been run in opposition to steam cars: A "jigger" was-a horse-drawn bus with the same gauge as the steam tramway rails. These "jiggers" ran along the tram routes, picking up passengers; and, when opportunity offered, used the tramway rails, which the wheels of the "jiggers" were made to fit. Owing lo their lighter construction they were able to pull off the rails,pass a steam tram outfit, and then, return to the rails again.

However, a letter to the editor of the Evening Post (27 August 1928) from former employee A. Cassin states that by July 1885, horse cars only were being run for passengers, with the only steam engine being used to drive an oat-crusher:  "As a tramway and bus employee in the Wellington service from 1885 to 1592, I take the liberty of drawing your attention to an error in your report of the tramway jubilee in Saturday's issue, in which you state the "jiggers" were run, in opposition to the steam cars. I arrived in Wellington in July, 1885, and at that date horse cars were being run, the only steam engine in use being used to drive an oat-crusher at the stables." 

During Tramways 50 year jubilee, article stated that horse-trams were in competition with steam-trams

'Jiggers" (horse-draw trams with same gauge as steam trams used the lines & would pull off the track to pass steam tram

FIFTY, NOT OUT! (Evening Post, 25 August 1928)

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By 1885, new employee A. Cassin states "the only steam engine in use being used to drive an oat-crusher at the stables"

When Cassin arrived in Wellington in July 1885, horse cars only were being run for passengers

TRAM HISTORY (Evening Post, 27 August 1928)

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What happened to the Hibernia steam engine?

See letter to the Editor (29 Aug 1928)

TRAM HISTORY (Evening Post, 29 August 1928)

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What happened to TramwayS?

Company's 10 year concession with City Council due to expire, July 1887

The Wellington Council had the option of purchasing the tramway, as was reported by the Auckland Star (1 July 1887):   "The Tramway Company's concession is about to expire and the City Council have appointed a Committee to consider the relations of the Corporation towards the proprietors with a view to their purchase if desirable. The Manager of the Tramway Company has furnished a statement showing the profits for the last two years to-be £2.965 and £1,942 respectively, but the Committee have obtained another statement, which they alleged showed larger returns. They recommended that notice to purchase be given and the Council adopted their report."  However, the Council did not proceed with purchasing at this stage.

Article reported (1 July 1887) that the Tramway Company's concession (10 yrs) was due to expire with Wellington Council

A Council-appointed Committee recommended buying the tramway. However, Council didn't proceed at this stage.

WELLINGTON TRAMWAYS. (Auckland Star, 01 July 1887)

National Library of New Zealand

Non-smoking onboard & no driving of vehicles along tram lines, 1888

Tramways Act 1872 Amendment 1888 did not permit vehicles to drive along the rails or smoking on board

7 Tramways Act 1872 Amendment Act 1888

The University of Auckland Library

Line extensions, 1888 

21 June 1888: Grace & Greenfield submitted an application to extend the track for the Tramway

They sought to extend and vary the Order issued on 29 June 1876

Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Evening Post, 22 June 1888)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Map of the city of Wellington and surrounding districts / drawn & published by F.H. Tronson.

A map, drawn and published in 1888 by F. H. Tronson, Lambton Quay, includes the tramway's lines

Horse-drawn trams were popular and the lines were extended to Tinakori Road and to Courtenay Place

Map of the city of Wellington and surrounding districts / drawn & published by F.H. Tronson.

National Library of New Zealand

Patents' rights infringements, 1888 & 1889 

9 Nov 1888: Mr W. A. Young (Cobb and Co.), Wellington, had served the Wellington City Tramway Co. with a writ

Claim of £7,000 damages "for invasion of patent rights in connection with certain improvements in street & tram, cars"

TABLE TALK. (Auckland Star, 09 November 1888)

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Tramways Company sued in Court (17 Jan 1889) by bus company for £7500 damages by infringement of patent for cars

WELLINGTON. (Wanganui Herald, 18 January 1889)

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Foreclosure by BNZ, Oct 1889

14 Oct 1889, Bank of New Zealand foreclosed on the Auckland Tramway Co., and placed an agent in charge of the Tramways

TELEGRAMS. (Thames Star, 14 October 1889)

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Industrial disputes during 1890s

18 June 1890 Industrial dispute with Tramways staff

The Trades and Labour Council and the Wellington Tramway Company. (Nelson Evening Mail, 18 June 1890)

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19 June 1890: Tramways staff on strike being replaced by new staff

Wellington Trams. (Star, 19 June 1890)

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During meeting (23 June 1890) of Trade and Labour Council unionists the strike at Tramways was discussed

Article added, "Dr Grace writes to the newspapers offering to sell the tramway to the Union at a reasonable price."

WELLINGTON TRAMWAY DIFFICULTY. (Wanganui Chronicle, 23 June 1890)

National Library of New Zealand

Wellington tramways lease sold to Hall, Aug 1890

Dr. Grace and Greenfield sold the lease of the tramways to Archibald Hall for eight years. Under Hall's management "it became so satisfactory and profitable that when his lease expired (two years last August), common report had it that he had retired with a snug fortune. At any rate, Mr. Hall made the service a paying concern for the first time in its history, and if he reaped reward he deserved it."   (Source: Evening Post, 1 Oct 1900

In 1890, Archibald Hall was offered a lease of the trams and accepted it for a term of eight years

(Article gives an obituary of Hall after his death in 1931)

MR. ARCHIBALD HALL (Evening Post, 05 December 1931)

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Hall took possession on 2 Aug 1890. Lease included 120 horses.

Hall intended to run the trams under union rules.

SALE OF THE WELLINGTON TEAMWAYS. (Star, 01 August 1890)

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Purchase price was not disclosed but was thought to be £15,000 (much less than cost of £43,000 paid by Grace)

OUR WELLINGTON LETTER. (Wanganui Chronicle, 08 August 1890)

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1 August 1890: Industrial action reported in Evening Post

OUR TRAMWAYS. (Evening Post, 01 August 1890)

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30 March 1892: Further industrial action took place

TRAMWAY STRIKE. (Evening Post, 30 March 1892)

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TRAMWAYS OWNER ADMINISTRATOR: DR GRACE, AUG 1898  

In August 1898, when Hall's lease for the tramways expired after eight years, the administration of the tramways reverted to Dr Grace. "Messrs. Greenfield and Steward having both died, their respective trust estates, so far as the trams were concerned, were vested in Dr. Grace, who controlled the administration, under competent management, from the expiry of Mr. Hall's lease."    Source: Evening Post (1 Oct 1900)  

30 July 1898: Mr. A. Hall "gives up his charge to-morrow, when lease expires"

"The service now reverts to the original proprietors." Hall to be presented with "illuminated address" from Dr. Grace

LATE SHIPPING. (Evening Post, 30 July 1898)

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Dr Grace became sole Tramways administrator on deaths of Robert Greenfield (1895) & James Stewart (1897)

DEATH OF MR. ROBERT GREENFIELD, J.P. (Evening Post, 07 August 1895)

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Both the estates of Greenfield & Stewart vested their co-ownership of Tramway in Dr Grace

DEATH OF MR. JAMES STEW ART. (Evening Post, 09 July 1897)

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Tramways purchased by Wellington Council, 1900

In the late 1880s, the Wellington City Council began negotiations to purchase the tramway network which it eventually acquired on 1 August 1900 from Dr. Grace. This led to the establishment of the Wellington Corporation Tramways Department on 1 October 1900, which operated under the Tramways Act 1894 and the Tramways Bylaw 1900.   

"Mr. A. Hall, who was well known as the lessee of the trams for eight years, took charge as General Manager for the Corporation this morning....  Mr. Hall will have as his first lieutenant Mr. R. Peterson, who will be the accountant and traffic manager. Mr. Petersen was with Dr. Grace and Mr. Hall in their conduct of the service for some 12 years."   (Source: Evening Post, 1 Oct 1900)

3 March 1900: Article advocating the Tramway to be taken over by the Wellington City Council

Evening Post. SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1900. CIVIC NEGLIGENCE. (Evening Post, 03 March 1900)

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Financial struggles of the Tramway since its beginnings outlined in letter to the editor by Macdonald

Macdonald co-founded Tramways and was one of the original syndicate memberss

WELLINGTON CITY TRAMWAYS. TO THE EDITOR. (Evening Post, 03 July 1897)

National Library of New Zealand

31 May 1900: Wellington Council meeting held on purchasing the Wellington City Tramways

MUNICIPALISATION OF OUR TRAMWAYS. (Evening Post, 31 May 1900)

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1 June 1900: Wellington City Council gives public notice of its intent to purchase the Wellington City Tramways

Page 8 Advertisements Column 7 (Evening Post, 01 June 1900)

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On 1 October 1900, the Wellington City Council became the owner, paying £19,382

The Wellington Corporation Tramways Department was established to manage the tram service

THE CITY TRAMWAYS. THE CORPORATION TAKES POSSESSION. (Evening Post, 01 October 1900)

National Library of New Zealand

On 2 Oct 1900, a farewell presentation was given to Dr. Grace by his co-partners in the Wellington City Tramways

Dinner was held "on the close of their business relations by the sale and transfer of the tramways to the Municipality"

PRESENTATION TO THE HON. DR. GRACE. (Evening Post, 03 October 1900)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Old horse cars stored along Cambridge Terrace

Photograph showing a line of old horse-drawn trams in storage at Cambridge Terrace, Wellington, 1900-1909

Old horse cars stored along Cambridge Terrace

Auckland Libraries

Find out more:

Wellington Tramway Museum: History of trams in Wellington, https://www.wellingtontrams.org.nz/gallery

'Wellington steam-tram service opened', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/wellington-becomes-the-first-major-centre-to-begin-a-passenger-tram-service, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 27-Jul-2017 

Wellington City Libraries: Trams in Wellington, 1878-1964, https://www.wcl.govt.nz/heritage/trams.html 

Archives online: Tramways Department, https://archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz/nodes/view/7915

"Wellington City tramways" In: Tramway & Railway World (Vol XVIII, 9 Nov 1905), URL: https://wellington.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/4529