ELECTRIC TRAMS IN CITY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21802, 6 June 1936, Page 21

ELECTRIC TRAMS IN CITY

THIRTY YEARS SINCE INSTALLATION

STEP THAT MET WITH MUCH CONTROVERSY An anniversary of great importance in the history of the Christchurch Tramway Board fell yesterday. Thirty years ago the electric tram service was officially declared open in this city, in succession to the old horse and steam trams. When the new board, which was formed in 1903, made its proposal to system, and conse- *+« t « ined a loan P r °P° s al of ui to finance its inception, considerable interest was aroused and the t, l rf D n nm S o aper J! files contain a multi, tude of letters for and against the proP?f aI ; ~o ne came from the Royal Soconducting scientific inyestigations in the Antarctic, which feared that the value of observations would be destroyed by the magnetic disturbances due to the installation of electric tramways in Christchurch. Telephone Authorities Protest Ihe Post and Telegraph authorities were also perturbed. Two trolley poles were advocated—a negative as well as a positive—to overcome the objections to electrical ground return. This secured the support of the Public Works Department for a time. Some wanted storage battery cars. A member of the board urged that the gauge of the tracks should be 3ft 6in. Ultimately the standard gauge 4ft B£in., was selected. Those who know the narrow cars in Wellington on a 4ft track will appreciate that early decision. The engineer recommended that the old practice of cars loading .and unloading in front of the Cathedral be discontihued and that in the Interests of vehicular traffic, as well as for the safety of passengers, double tracks be,, laid round the west side of the Square. This was done. Subsequently the tracks in front of the Cathedral were restored. The Joan poll took place on June 16th, 1905—2856 voted in favour, 338 against. The First Board The first board was elected in 1903 and took over several private companies, which up to that time had operated in Christchurch. The members of the first board were Messrs William Reece, H. F. Wigram, G. G. Stead, and A. W. Beaven (representing the city of Christchurch and the boroughs of Sydenham and St. Albans), H. Pearce (borough of Linwood), Geo. Scott (boroughs of Woolston and Sumner, and part of Heathcote road district), A, B. Morgan (borough of New Brighton and part of Avon road district), F. Waymouth (parts of Riccarton, Sprcydon, and Halswell road districts). Mr Reece was the first chairman.