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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6695, 2 October 1882, Page 2

A few months ago, a lad employed as a guard by the 'Wellington Tramway Company fell, while practising the somewhat hazardous feat of stepping from one car to another, and was killed. On Saturday night last another lad, a passenger, who was riding on the plat*

form of one of the cars proceeding in the direction of Newtown, failed to “ hold on ” while the tram was going round Snasexeqnare, and fell beneath the wheels, the result being that he was dreadfully mutilated, and killed. These accidents afford plenty of food for reflection, and the question at once arises whether they could not hare been prevented by the enforcement of proper regulations for ensuring the safety of the public and the servants of the company. If, in order to meet the increased traffic, it is found necessary to couple two oars together, there should be a guard for each, and under no circumstances should passengers be allowed to ride on the platforms. For many months past, however, it has been the custom of the company to permit the platforms to be crowded with passengers unable to find sitting or standing room inside the cars, to the great danger and inconvenience of the public ; and the fact that comparatively few accidents have occurred is attributable more to good fortune than to good management. It may be said that while passengers are content to ride on the platforms the Company should not be blamed for not providing better accommodation for them bat we certainly think that a company enjoying an extensive and profitable monopoly should be compelled to make every provision for the safety and comfort of its customers. This the Wellington Tramway Company does not do, although from the support it receives the concern must be regarded as a profitable one. There is room for improvement in many directions. More constant supervision over guards and drivers is very necessary ; more cars must be put on whenever there is likely to be an increase in the traffic ; the platforms must be kept clear, not only for the comfort, but for the safety of passengers, and the wheels of the cars should be boxed in, in the same manner as those of the engines.