The following are transcriptions from Australian newspapers published at the end of the 19th century, chiefly from the Argus, Melbourne. These, and the original facsimiles of the newspapers may be found on the National Library of Australia website at http ://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ or http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper
Each of the transcripts has a direct link to that article cited.
VICTORIA: STRIKES IN MELBOURNE. [BY TELEGRAPH.] (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) MELBOURNE, November 30.
The Melbourne iron moulders have struck work on the ground that they require the settlement of other questions besides the rate of wages. The laborers on the Outer Circle Railway and the Doncaster Electric Tramway contracts are also out on strike.
1888 'VICTORIA.', The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), 1 December, p. 3. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3122341
The Box Hill electric tramway is to be opened on Monday next, when a banquet will be given in connection with the ceremony at Doncaster. The line, which is 2 º miles long, commences at the White Horse road, Box Hill, and ends just below the tower at Doncaster. The heaviest grade on the line is 1 in 16Ω. The gauge of the track is 4ft. 3Ωin., and rails of 401b. weight are used. The electric motive power is supplied on the Thomson-Houstoun Direct Overhead Wire System, which was in work at the Centennial International Exhibition. The power is supplied from an engine-house placed about half≠way along the track on Bushy Creek. The engine drives a Thomson-Houstoun dynamo, which can charge the overhead wire with about 50-horse power. The car is fitted with a Thomson-Houstoun motor of 15-horse power, and receives electricity from the overhead wire along the track by means of a long arm from the top of the car. Mr. Robert F. Gow is the secretary and manager of the company; Messrs. Muntz and Bage are the engineers for the line, and the Union Electric Company have fitted up the electric cars, dynamos, &c.
1889 'The Argus.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 10 October, p. 6. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8558950
One of the Melbourne events of yesterday was the opening of the first electric tramway in Australia. The promoters of the Box Hill and Doncaster line are to be congratulated upon their enterprise, and certainly all visitors to the spot will agree that if electricity succeeds as a traction power on the hilly Doncaster route it will answer anywhere. A more sharply undulating surface is not easily to be found in the neighbourhood of any of our cities than this one. One steep pinch succeeds another. There would be manifold advantages if electricity could replace the cable in the city itself, not the least of the number being that occasional cars could be run at later hours than at present, inasmuch as the steam plant would not have to be kept working, and one accident would not stop all the other cars on the particular line affected. Again, sidings could be put in at or near all main crossings, so that in the event of a fire or any other casualty or incident the cars could be run to and from that spot instead of traffic being, as now, blocked altogether. Such gains will be made in the future probably, but they can only be achieved by a system in which each car carries its own motive power. The Box Hill arrangement of receiving the force supply from an overhead wire would be confronted with many difficulties in a large and crowded city, and must be exposed to some, though not all, of the cable drawbacks. It is instructive-and disappointing-to note that the introduction of electricity does not rid us of the steam-engine and its chimney smoke. On the contrary, it looks as if the more we had of electric lighting and of electric traction the more we should have also of the smoke nuisance. The lighting of the Houses of Parliament, which has brought one hideous and ill-placed chimney into play is a conspicuous case in point. The Box Hill and Doncaster line has its engine-house and chimney-stack also. Electricity, as a popular scientist has explained, is not a power, but is merely a basket in which power can be placed, or a belt by means of which it can be transmitted. And the popular source or creator of power is still the steam-engine.
1889 'The Argus.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 October, p. 4. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8560489
NOTES AND COMMENTS. THE LA TEST ADVANCE. So far as Australia is concerned, the latest advance in the practical adaptation of electricity was the opening of the tram yesterday from Box Hill to Doncaster Tower. It is out amongst the green hills and the orchards, the market gardens and the fodder crops, through some of the most beautiful suburban country of Melbourne, to a height whence is obtained the most expansive view on the coastward side of the Dandenongs.
The tower that was erected before the days ofEiffel rises there, and is at least as light and airy and free of all assertiveness of solidity and strength as that of the great French architect. Happily, however, it is not quite so safe, at least it is not quite so safe-seeming, and it is much more difficult of ascent. Nor are there restaurants or laboratories on the top, but instead the sparrows and the swallows have builded their nests. The view, however, must be as broad as from Eiffel, and as all good Australians who have made the ascent know, infinitely more beautiful.
The number of people thus properly educated will be increased doubtless by the tram. For of old it was a matter of railway and coach, or railway and tramp, a tedious way, or a weary way, and not to be ventured on without a good deal of leisure or energy. The opening of the tram and the completion of the Box Hill railway line will of course make an end of all that, as the opening of the railway to Heidelberg killed all the tediousness and wearisomeness of that once hard journey, showing folks all the glory of the country, and taking them in two hours over a distance which a fast trotter would do in something like. five and forty minutes.
That, however, is not an electric railway, which possibly makes all the difference. This new notion may carry us as fast as our coin goes from counter to cashier in the Mutual Store. But really we do not care for it much per se. It is a good beginning, it deserves well-it doubtless will do well-but what is going to come out of it ?
We asked that question through a good many years about the electric light. The occasional, uncultivated, ghastly blue glare must be one of the early memories of many men who have now reached a fairly mature age, and they will remember how, through all their youth and early manhood, progress was slow and fitful, how gas shares recovered from temporary shocks, and how the developments of the powers and uses of gas seemed to more than keep pace with the progress of electricity. But triumph came at length. It must, at least, be said that triumph is achieved now. The electric light makes day of the streets of London and Paris and Rome, of Melbourne and Boggabri and Narrabri and Gunnedah, and doubtless in many towns on sites where once the buffalo and the tiger ranged in the new and the dark continent. The best recent picture of Hoosier life in the far west is of the farmer who, wanting a light, has struck the last of his box of matches and applied it in vain to the globe which surrounds the carbon arc.
And the electric railway, has it not also hung about in a tentative, unsatisfactory manner? More than ten years ago there was an electric railway running in the suburbs ofBerlin. More than twenty years ago there were toy trains and boats propelled by electric power in the island and lake of the Crystal Palace gardens. Frequently we have heard of electric tramways projected in Australia. And what now? Do they come with a rush? There are many places about Melbourne where lines would be acceptable. One above above all others, perhaps, is at the Sorrento Isthmus. Has not Mr. Coppin talked of an electric tram line across that isthmus for many years now ? It will be of no use urging a non possumus after the successful experiment at Box Hill. We ought to have an electric tram, between these two fair beaches, and there is not much doubt that it would pay the Ozone people to make and to run it. And what of Macedon and the Dandenongs, and the great state forest lying back from the new branch railway line, now at long length completed there? What of the little toy lines so urgently required in the hot weather to many of the bathing places about the coast? Will they follow on naturally, now that success is achieved in the first venture?
They should do, and when they all were completed we should be but at the beginning of true electrical development. It is but power, energy, and the conservation and trans≠mission and various manipulations of energy. The very same force tingles through our nerves, quickening our vital energies, and without any physical sensation whatever, save that the attack on the aural nerves conveys the sound of our friend's voice speaking at a far distance direct to the brain. It carries our messages along the wires and prints them at the other end, may be thousands of miles remote. It works the receiving machine, and keeps the steady flame playing above it. By-and-by we expect that it will enable us to deal with all the sewage nuisances in such fashion as to avoid all offence and annoyance. And when the true power producers are set to work, the falls and the currents of the great rivers, and, more important still, the rise and fall of the tides, then will be such energy born into the world as to rid us for ever of the curse of Cain. We shall turn on power then just as we turn on gas or water now. Charge the plough and set it agoing, charge the buggy and set it a running, charge the scrubbing brush and the broom-God wot !-and set them to work, to the utter discomfiture of Mary Ann and the end of the absolute need for her existence. It will, indeed, be the millenium when the princes of the powers of the air are properly yoked to the service of man with all the tasks accurately subdivided.
And is it a dream that such things will be? When Mr. Proctor was here a quizzical gentleman asked him what he thought the world would do when the coal supply was exhausted? "Do without," was the prompt reply. "But--" " Oh, you must not begin to but till you have begun to think. There is more power going to waste every year in the ocean and the atmosphere, and the world's waters, than is conserved in all the coal measures ofEurope or America. And power is all you want, all that coal can give you." "Do you think we shall ever be able to use those powers ?" "Oh, yes." "When?" "Well, perhaps in a million years or so."
The astronomer was not fettered in his conjectures by any narrow limitations of time and space.
But if that great idea of his, which is now generally accepted as amongst the possibilities of a near future, comes to be realised, what a maze will the underground works of a great city become ! We shall be as the dummy figures of showmen, with all the marvellous clockwork apparatus below. Pipes and conduits and wires and wheels will make a network beneath an upper earth crust into which we may devoutly pray that we may never be tumbled by any earthquake or other convulsion of nature. In that time the breaking of the crust would be more wonderful than the lifting of the general roof, about which Herr Teufelsdroch philosophised.
And yet it should be a good time for us all. We shall be able to lie in bed and set the light a-burning with one pull, and the kettle a-boiling with another, bring up the newspaper with a third, and warm the bath with a fourth. Let us hope it may be well within the million years, and with that hope we may well link another-it is associated with the Brown-Sequard theory. Now, this theory, if it work out as some folks anticipate, will practically confer immortality on us all. We shall not die, at least till we get tired, and how long would that be under present conditions? Surely, the great majority would join in the moan of Tithonus long before they had reached the age of Methuselah. Not so, however, if all the electric power problem were worked out, of which the Box Hill tramway is but an infinitesimal instalment. We should all become Michael Scotts, setting our familiars to work, and an earthly immortality would for the first time be worth having, because life for the first time would be really worth living.
1889 'NOTES AND COMMENTS.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 October, p. 6. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8560507
OPENING OF THE DONCASTER ELECTRICAL TRAMWAY.
The new electrical tramway from Box Hill to Doncaster was opened yesterday, when a large party of members ofParliament and other gentlemen interested in the establishment of communication between the railway station at Box Hill and the township of Doncaster made the first trip by the car. The distance traversed by the line is about two miles, and in its course several hills have to be surmounted, the steepest gradient being at the ratio of 1 in 16. The plant, which is that of the Thomson-Houston system, includes an engine-house stationed half-way along the line, where the electricity is generated and transmitted by means of a running cord and pulley attachment to the motor, which is placed underneath the car. The trial trip was performed with a full load ofpassengers, and the apparatus worked without a hitch of any kind under the direction of Mr. A. J. Arnot, superintending engineer of the Union Electric Company of Australia Limited, under the auspices of which the Box Hill and Doncaster tramway is being worked. The speed attained up the steep gradients averaged about five miles an hour, and when on the level the car travelled easily and pleasantly at the rate of about 12 miles an hour when going down the declines.
After making the trip the visitors adjourned to the Tower Hotel, Doncaster, where an excellent luncheon was served by Mr. J. Pasmore, the proprietor. About 100 gentlemen sat down to table, the chair being taken by Mr. W. Meaden,[*] chairman of the new company, who was supported by Mr. Balfour and Mr. [?Jam, [**] M.L.C.'s, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Frank Stuart, Mr. Cameron, and Captain Taylor, M.LA.'s; Mr Horton, president of the Shire of Nunawading; Mr. Hunter, president of the shire of Bulleen; Mr. Hicks, president of the shire of Boroondara; and Mr. R. F. Gow, secretary of the Electrical Tramway Company. A telegram was received by the chairman from Mr. Gillies, the Premier, regretting his inability to be present owing to an important meeting of the Executive Council, which was to be held in Melbourne during the afternoon.
After the usual loyal toasts had been honoured Mr. Horton proposed the toast of "The Ministry."
Mr. CAMERON, M.L.A., responded to the toast as a Government whip, there being no member of the Ministry present. He believed that the communication which had been established by means of the electrical tramway, so far from interfering with the chances of a railway for Doncaster, would bring the district into prominence, and secure its being included among the districts for which railway communication would be provided by the next railway bill brought into Parliament. He congratulated the enterprising promoters of the electrical tramway, and trusted that its financial success would be commensurate with their endeavours.
Councillor ELLINGSWORTH, of the shire of Nunawading, submitted the toast of "The Parliament of Victoria."
Mr. BALFOUR, M.L.C., in responding, referred to the harmonious working of both Houses of Parliament and the political peace and quietude of the country, which was largely attributable to the existence of the coalition Government. He was proud of the energy and spirit displayed by his constituents in constructing such an excellent means of communication as the electrical tramway.
Mr. DIXON, M.L.A., while congratulating the promoters of the tramway company on the success which they had achieved, believed that were it not for the present financial crisis which the colony was undergoing a coalition Government could not last another week. The existing Government while pretending to encourage intercolonial federation had really widened the breach between Victoria and the adjacent colonies by the imposition of increased duties on grain, and by the tax upon eggs.
The other toasts proposed and responded to were "The Municipal Corporations of the Colony," "The Box Hill and Doncaster Tramway Company Limited," "The Union Electric Company of Australia Limited," "The Officers of the Tramway Company," "The Press," and "The Ladies."
The formal proceedings then terminated.
* The name of the chairman of the company is given here as Mr. W. Meaden. It should be Mr. W. Meader.
** The name of the second M.L.C. in attendance is smudged in this copy. It is most likely Mr. Ham. There were two of that name in the Legislative Council at that time: Cornelius Job Ham, MLC for Melbourne and David Ham, MLC for Wellington. http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/archive/re-member/
1889 'OPENING OF THE DONCASTER ELECTRICAL TRAM WAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 October, p. 7. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8560447
Intercolonial Telegrams. [BY SUBMARINE CABLE.] [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, MONDAY.
The electric tramway from Box Hill to Doncaster, a distance of two and qa uarter [sic] miles, was formally opened to-day with considerable ceremony; amongst those present being the Premier and other members of the Ministry. The system adopted is Thomson and Houston's overhead wire system. The guests were conveyed to Doncaster by the tram, where they were entertained at a banquet.
1889 'Intercolonial Telegrams.', The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), 15 October, p. 3. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9221610
Public Companies.: PROSPECTUS Of the BOX HILL and DONCASTER TRAMWAY COMPANY LIMITED. Registered under "The Companies Statute 1864." CAPITAL £15,000, In 15,000 Shares of £1 each. SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL £9730,
In 9730 Shares of £1 each. The balance of shares, 5270, are now offered to the public ; payable 5s. per share on application, 5s. per share on allotment, and 5s. per share in one month.
DIRECTORS. William Meader, Esq., Chairman Captain Taylor, M.L.A. W. Ellingworth, Esq., J.P. Richard Serpell, Esq. William Sell, Esq. SOLICITORS. Messrs. Taylor and Russell, Melbourne. ENGINEERS. Messrs. Muntz, Bage, and Muntz, Melbourne. SECRETARY and MANAGER. Robt. F. Gow, 58 William-street, Melbourne. BANKERS. English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank,
Doncaster. This company was formed in October last year to construct a tramway for passenger traffic in the shires ofNunawading and Bulleen, starting from Box Hill railway station along Station-street to Doncaster and district. The tramway has already been constructed from White Horse road, at Box Hill, to the Doncaster-road, at Doncaster, a distance of two and a quarter miles, and the sum of £8,500 has already been expended upon its construction and working stock of electric plant. The electric plant, which has so far proved itself a great success, can be seen at work every day on the tram line. The mode of working exhibited at the opening of the line, and the subsequent running of the cars, have been enthusiastically commented upon by the daily papers. Up to date the single electric motor has not been able to carry the hundreds of passengers who wished to travel. In order that arrangements may be made to place more cars on the line at once for the purpose of coping with the large traffic now offering, and certain to increase during the ensuing summer, the directors are placing the balance of the shares on the market. The growing popularity of Box Hill and Doncaster and their beautiful surroundings are rapidly coming more and more into favour with the citizens of Melbourne, and this tramway affords all the opportunity of enjoying a delightful ride through lovely undulating country to the far-famed Doncaster Tower, from the summit of which is to be viewed one of the most picturesque and interesting views of Victoria. During the summer it is estimated that as soon as sufficient electric cars are placed on the tram lines the Sunday traffic alone will pay all working expenses for the week. It has been decided not to charge any premium on this issue of shares, but shares wili only be allotted according to priority of application. Applications for shares will be received by the secretary, at the office of the company, 8 Market-buildings, 58 William-street, or by any of the directors.
1889 'Advertising', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 26 October, p. 7. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8564748
The electric tramway which has been constructed between Box Hill and Doncaster was inspected by the directors of the tramway company yesterday, and it was decided to open for traffic on Wednesday next. Only one car is at present available, but it is expected that during the course of a few weeks a new and powerful car will be placed on the track, and this, with present motive power, will be adequate to carry the large number of passengers that offer themselves on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
1890 'SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1890.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 20 September, p. 6. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8436054
THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY. THE RAILS REMOVED FROM PORTION OF THE LINE.
A rupture has occurred between the South Doncaster Land Estate Company and the Box Hill and Doncaster Electric Tramway Company. It appears that the former syndicate granted permission to the directors of the Electric Tram Company to run the tramway line through a portion of their land, but that the agreement was not made in writing. When the line was constructed it was taken through a portion of a paddock owned by the South Doncaster Land Company, who raised no objection to the line until a few weeks ago. As the tramway was not working in a satisfactory manner the members of the land syndicate became dissatisfied, and wanted the directors of the Tram Company to give them a written guarantee that they would run a number of trams to and from Doncaster every day, and ifthe trams were not run as required the Tram Company was to pay a penalty of £1,000 to the land company. As the tramway had not been running for the past two months, pending the arrival of a new car from America, the company refused to sign this agreement, which they considered arbitrary. Some time between Saturday last and Monday morning some persons went on to the tramway line on the land which is owned by the South Doncaster syndicate, and pulled up the rails and sleepers for a distance of 60 yards, and it is stated that, as the men who were employed to do the work were not well acquainted with the boundary of the company's land, they extended their operations on to about 8ft. of the land belonging to the directors of the Tramway Company.
The directors are now trying to find out the persons who committed this act of destruction, and threaten to take criminal proceedings against them. A civil action against the South Doncaster Land Company is also threatened.
A new tram car from America had just arrived for the line, and the directors were in hopes that in the course of a week they would have been able to surmount all their difficulties and be in a position to keep up constant communication between Box Hill and Doncaster. As soon as the new car is fixed on the rails the tram will run as far as the break in the line, which is about half a mile from Doncaster.
1890 'THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 26 November, p. 7. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8454408
INTERCOLONIAL NEWS: [BY TELEGRAPH.] (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENTS.) VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, TUESDAY.
A dispute has arisen between the South Doncaster Land Estate Company and the Boxhill and Doncaster Electric Tramway Company. The former syndicate granted permission to the directors of the latter company to run a tramline through a portion of their land, but, the tramway not working satisfactorily, the land syndicate desired a written guarantee for a certain number of daily trams, or a penalty of £1000. The Tram Company refused to sign the guarantee, which they considered arbitrary. Some time between Saturday and Sunday some persons pulled up the rails and sleepers for 60 yards on the syndicate lands. The Tramway Company threatens legal proceedings.
1890 'INTERCOLONIAL NEWS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 26 November, p. 7. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13794638
THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY: TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir, Our attention has been drawn to a notice, under the above heading, appearing in your issue of this date; and as the facts have been incorrectly placed before you, we beg to ask leave to make the following correction:≠The South Doncaster Estate Company has never given any permission to the Tramway Company to enter upon its property, but has repeatedly and for a very considerable time warned the Tramway Company off its land as a trespasser, refusing to sign a lease of the ground upon which the line is constructed. The number of trips to be run daily has not entered into the present dispute, neither does the penalty of £1,000 referred to in your article in any way relate to the running of the tram, but solely to a road for ordinary traffic being kept open.
There is no secret made either as to who authorised the removal of the rails, or who actually did the work. Several of the directors of the Tramway Company were on the ground before the persons who did it had left, and discussed the matter (naturally with some warmth) with the gentleman who ordered it to be done.
So far as the merits of any dispute between the parties are concerned, we ask that judgment may be suspended.
Suffice it to say at present that the South Doncaster Company does not wish to interfere unfairly and is acting under counsels' advice.-Yours, &c. MADDOCK and JOHNSON, Solicitors for the South Doncaster Estate Company Limited. Nov. 26.
1890 'THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 27 November, p. 9. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8454592
THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir, By the insertion of a comma, our letter to you upon this subject is made to read as if the South Doncaster Estate Company had refused to sign a lease of the line. The omission of the comma will give the true sense, viz., that it is the tramway company that is refusing to sign the lease.≠Yours, &c., MADDOCK and JOHNSON. Nov. 27.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir, Having read a report in your issue of the 26th, re above company, I wish to state that such report is perfectly true as regards permission being granted the tram company to cross the disputed property, and when the proper time comes I am prepared to prove same, although Messrs. Maddock and Johnson's letter to the contrary. I was the instrument in floating the property known as Wilson's Orchard into a syndicate, and acted as secretary to same until it was incorporated into a registered company, from which time the above solicitors became legal advisers to the company, which is now known as the South Doncaster Estate Company Limited, and I believe all the present members were members of the syndicate, and are fully aware of what was done. It is unnecessary for me to give any further details at present.-Yours, &c.,
S. ASPINALL, Late Secretary to Wilson's Orchard Syndicate, now known as the South Doncaster Estate Company Limited.
Box Hill, Nov. 28.
1890 'THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 28 November, p. 7. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8454761
BOX HILL AND DONCASTER TRAMWAY COMPANY.
The half-yearly general meeting of the members of the Box Hill and Doncaster Tramway Company Limited was held at the company's office, William-street, yesterday afternoon. Mr. W. Meader, chairman of directors, presided.
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said that he regretted the directors had not been able to work the first electric car which had been obtained. They had made every effort to secure the success of the company, but they had been met with many unforeseen difficulties. They had done their duty thoroughly, but the Electric Company had failed to carry out its contract, and the latest trouble had been created by one of the companies owning the land through which the line passed taking up the rails so as to prevent the line from being used. The directors considered that they had a just right to the use of the land, and they intended to take action against the land company for trespass. A new and extra powerful electric car, having all the latest improvements, had been imported from America, and would be in working order in a few days. It was expected by its means that the whole of the traffic on the line would be satisfactorily provided for. It was proposed to improve the tram line by straightening it from Koonong Creek up to Doncaster. The gradient would thus be eased, and there would be a perfectly straight run. The directors were satisfied that as soon as the present troubles were got over the concern could be made a paying one.
Captain TAYLOR, M.L.A., seconded the motion. The shareholders should recognise the fact that the new motive power of electricity, so far as this colony was concerned, was to a certain extent tentative. The car which had been used was obtained from the Thomson≠Houston factory in America as a specimen of what the overhead electrical system could achieve. Unfortunately the gentleman who came in charge of it was recalled to America without having communicated sufficient knowledge to anybody in the colony to enable the machinery to be put right when it went wrong. He was satisfied that the old car could be made to work perfectly well with very little alteration, but up to the present nobody had been found who knew how to deal with it. A gentleman had now come from the Thomson-Houston factory to Sydney in charge of cars which had been sent there, and he had been requested to come to Melbourne and examine the car. The company had now in addition to the old car a new one containing all the latest improvements, and the directors had looked forward to the re-opening of the line next week or the week afterwards. Their anticipations had, however, been interfered with by one of the companies owning the land through which the line passed having interfered with the permanent way of the tramway. Now, before the tram line was laid down the company had given permission in writing. It had seen the laying down of the line, and had never objected, and consequently it had, in his opinion, acted illegally in taking up the rails, and it could be compelled to replace them. A writ would be issued the following day against the company, and the Supreme Court would be applied to for an interim injunction to prevent the company from interfering with the line. There was no doubt that the tramway could not only be made equal to meeting the traffic in the district, but could be made a dividend-paying concern. A great many difficulties had had to be grappled with, but he was satisfied that the directors were now entering smooth water, and things would process in a satisfactory manner. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. H. M'DOW ALL said that the only blame which could be attributed to the directors was in their neglect to provide some conveyance to provide for the traffic which had been created until the tramway was in working order.
Captain TAYLOR pointed out that by the memorandum of association the company could not legally run a horse and trap. It had only power to run tramcars.
The motion was agreed to.
A vote of thanks having been tendered to the managing director (Mr. R. Serpell), the meeting terminated.
1890 'BOX HILL AND DONCASTER TRAMWAY COMPANY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 28 November, p. 7. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8454760
The Box Hill and Doncaster electric tramway will be again opened for traffic on Christmas morning. A new double-motor electric car has arrived from the Thomson≠Houston Electric Company, of Boston, America. This car, which has been fitted with the latest improvements in electric motive power, was manufactured by the Brill Car Company, of America, and is of similar pattern to that used by the Melbourne Tramway Company, the body being closed. The motive power is gained from two 15-horse power electric motors placed on the axles of the car, and these are stated to be of sufficient power to pull another car fully loaded up the steep gradient between Box Hill and Doncaster. The car will not run further than Whitton's-lane, near Doncaster, owing to the recent action of the South Doncaster Estate Company in pulling up the permanent way of the tramway company.
1890 'WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1890.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 24 December, p. 4. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8461881
DONCASTER AND BOX HILL TRAMWAY. THE RAILS AGAIN REMOVED.
Owing to a dispute having arisen between the South Doncaster Land Syndicate and the directors of the Box Hill Tramway Company, some three months ago, the former had the rails on the part of the line known as "Whitton's-lane," pulled up. Considerable trouble and inconvenience was thus caused, not only to the tramway company, but to the general public, as the electric tramway is a great boon to the district. After some delay the rails were replaced by the tramway company, and the line was being worked in a satisfactory manner up till Saturday morning, when the rails were again removed by the South Doncaster Land Company. It appears that the latter incurred legal expenses to the amount of£100 over the pulling up of the rails in the first instance. The tramway company was requested to pay this account, but refused to do so. As the land company was of opinion that the expenses should be paid by the tramway directors, the former took the step ofremoving the rails again in Whitton's-lane on Saturday morning, at 7 o'clock. The tram cars can now only run to this spot, which is about three-quarters of a mile from Doncaster.
1891 'DONCASTER AND BOX HILL TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 21 February, p. 11. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8477410
THE BOX HILL TO DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY. THE TRAM LINE TO BE PULLED UP. THREATS OF BLOWING IT UP WITH DYNAMITE.
Ever since the electric tramway between Box Hill and Doncaster was first made, some 18 months ago, the directors have been perpetually quarrelling with a land syndicate, who owned part of the land through which the tram line was laid. Their disputes at various times have resulted in the rails being pulled up, and the consequent suspension oftraffic between Box Hill and Doncaster, so far as the tram was concerned. The dispute was occasioned through the East Doncaster Land Syndicate and the trustees of the Electric Tram Company not being able to come to terms as to the lease of the portion of the land owned by the former, and through which the tram runs. Expensive litigation ensued, and the promoters of the electric tramway became involved to such an extent that all their right, title, and interest in the tramway was sold by the sheriff about two months ago. A Mr. Thompson became the purchaser for the sum of £350. Mr. William Ellingworth, of Box Hill, was appointed Mr. Thompson's manager in Box Hill, and since the sale the tram has been running in a most satisfactory manner. On Monday night, however, Mr. Ellingworth received notice from the manager of the East Doncaster Land Company that ifthe tram was continued to be run over their land they would blow up the part of the line under their control with dynamite unless the proprietor of the tram complied with their terms, which have not been made public. As Mr. Ellingworth could not accede to the request he at once ordered that the tram should be stopped, and gave all the employes one week's notice. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be come to between Mr. Thompson and the East Doncaster Land Company the tram line will be pulled up, and, with the machinery, taken to some other part of the colony.
During yesterday the travelling public between Box Hill and Doncaster were subjected to great inconvenience through the suspension of the running of the tramcar, and if it should be eventually removed the district will suffer greatly.
1891 'THE BOX HILL TO DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 3 June, p. 7. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8624357
THE BOX HILL ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.
There seems to be no hope of an amicable agreement being arrived at between the proprietor of the Box Hill Tramway and the East Doncaster Land Company. During yesterday the rails that were laid down on the land owned by the East Doncaster Land Company were taken up, and a fence put across the line at a point where the tram line enters upon the disputed territory. Regret had been expressed in the district that the directors of the land company should have deemed it necessary to fence off the road, as this thoroughfare was largely used by the travelling public, and in addition to being a better road than the old one, shortened the distance between Box Hill and Doncaster by fully half a mile. A movement is being considered in the district for the purpose of securing the land on the north side of Koonong Creek, and if this can be accomplished the tramway will be continued from Koonong Creek to Doncaster, on the west side of the land belonging to the East Doncaster Land Company. The income derived from the tram during the last two months is said to have been of such an encouraging nature as to justify this detour being made in the line, but ifthe land has to be bought many consider that the venture would not be a profitable one-at least, for many years to come.
1891 'THE BOX HILL ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 5 June, p. 7. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8641239
THE BOX HILL AND DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.
Owing to the unfortunate collision that has occurred between the South Doncaster Land Company and Mr. Thompson, the present proprietor of the electric tramway, and which has resulted in the stoppage of the tramcars and the pulling up of the rails on the company's property, a movement has been started by some of the leading residents of Doncaster to bring about an amicable settlement. The loss and inconvenience that have been endured by the residents of Doncaster since the suspension of the tramway have been of such a serious nature that the general public have deemed it wise to interfere and see if anything can be done that will reconcile the contending parties and lead to the road being again opened and the running of the tram along the route. Land has been sold and built upon simply because it was believed to be a public thoroughfare that was rendered valuable by the tramway, and should the rails be taken up and the machinery removed to some other suburb, those who have invested their capital along the route will be considerable losers thereby. On Monday night a number of the leading residents of Doncaster held a meeting to consider what was best to be done in order to induce the South Doncaster Land Company to consent to the tram being run over their land. The meeting was of opinion that if pressure were brought to bear upon the directors of the land company they would give their consent; at any rate, no harm could accrue through interviewing them on the subject. With this object in view the following gentlemen, viz.,
Messrs. Tom Petty, Thiele, and Schamm*, were appointed a committee to wait upon the owners of the land in question and, if possible, try to effect a satisfactory settlement of the unfortunate dispute that was operating so adversely for the district and the inconvenience of its inhabitants. Another meeting will be held in a few days to hear the report of this committee, and many are hoping that it will be a favourable one.
*The third name in the committee of "Messrs. Tom Petty, Thiele, and Schamm" is incorrect. It should be Schramm. Pastor Max (von) Schramm was a school teacher and Lutheran Pastor for Doncaster.
1891 'THE BOX HILL AND DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 10 June, p. 10. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8636236
THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.
The electric tramway between Box Hill and Doncaster was reopened for public traffic on Saturday last. The first car left Box Hill at about 3 p.m. laden with the directors of the newly-formed company, accompanied by the members of the councils of the shires of Nunawading and Doncaster. On arrival at Doncaster the company adjourned to the Tower Hotel, and under the presidency of Councillor Ellingworth, of Box Hill, drank success to the undertaking. This tramway has had ups and downs, chiefly owing to disputes that have arisen between land-owners and directors in relation to the roadway; but all difficulties have been overcome, and the councils have taken over the roadway, so that the public can have confidence that the tramway will now run regularly. The tram line has been straightened and thoroughly overhauled, and this will allow free scope for the electric machinery, which has not up to date had a chance of showing its full efficiency. The electric machinery was in capital working order, and thoroughly pleased all present. Tramcars will now run regularly every day, and meet almost every train at Box Hill between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.
1892 'THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 21 March, p. 5. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8407609
THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.
After many vicissitudes the electric tramway between Doncaster and Box Hill appears to be now in quite successful and satisfactory working order, and the outing which it affords is highly appreciated on holidays and other days of leisure. During the Easter holidays it was largely made use of. The arrangements made by the tram company to convey the [l]arge crowd ofvisitors on Easter Monday, numbering over one thousand, gave great satisfaction, and both the novelty and the efficiency of the mode of transit were appreciated. Both cars ran smoothly and well from early in the forenoon until the evening. On Saturdays and Sundays also the trip to Doncaster is a very popular one.
1893 'THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 April, p. 11. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8538090
MUNICIPAL INTELLIGENCE. POSTAL COMMUNICATION.
At the Kew Council meeting last night a deputation was arranged to the Postmaster-General, on the motion of Councillors Cody and Kellett, to ask that the department should revert to their former practice of having the Doncaster and Anderson's Creek mails carried through Kew. The mover said it was the natural route, and now that the Doncaster electric tram had stopped there was no reason why they should be carried via Box Hill. The mails would be carried from Kew by coach, and a direct means oftransit would be thus ensured to residents travelling to and from Doncaster and outlying districts. It was also agreed at the same deputation to complain of the late hours at which the letter deliveries in Kew were now made since the retrenchment, and ask for some slight improvement.
1896 'MUNICIPAL INTELLIGENCE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 22 January, p. 6. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8888578
THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY.
There is every likelihood that the electric tramway between Box Hill station and Doncaster will soon be available again for passenger traffic, a strong effort being made locally in that direction. An influential deputation waited upon the Doncaster Shire Council at its last meeting and stated that Mr. Hilton, who at one time managed the tramway, but had left to take up a better position in the West some years ago, was desirous of again taking up the running of the Doncaster tramway, and they requested that he be granted permission to run the trams over the tram road that had been handed over to the council when the tram company ceased operations, but the track had never been touched by the council, who were not in a position to make a metalled road of it. The necessary permission was readily given, and the council promised Mr. Hilton every assistance in their power.
1898 'THE DONCASTER ELECTRIC TRAMWAY,', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 9 July, p. 10. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9841705
THE DONCASTER TRAM ROAD.
A matter that has been engaging the attention of the Nunawading and Doncaster shire councils is the putting in order for traffic of the road along which the Doncaster electric trams used to run. At the Nunawading Council meeting on Monday evening motions, under notice, were given by Councillors Rawlings and Ellingworth touching upon the matter. Councillor Rawlings's proposition was that the road be taken over upon the owners of land abutting thereon contributing 6d. per foot. This, he contended, would raise sufficient capital to put the road in passable order. Not finding a seconder, this proposition fell to the ground; but a motion by Councillors Ellingworth and Collier, that the construction of the street be completed on condition that the property-owners along the road pay half the cost, was carried unanimously, and the engineer instructed to draw up a plan and prepare an estimate of the work required.
1898 'THE DONCASTER TRAM ROAD.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 16 November, p. 6. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9860514
DONCASTER TRAM ROAD.
The proposal to turn the old electric tram road from Box Hill station to Doncaster into a substantial thoroughfare was considered at the Nunawading Council meeting on Monday. The shire engineer submitted a report, showing that it would cost £1,900. To make the road from White Horse road to Tait's property, and to trim up the rest of the distance to Konung [sic] Creek, fencing embankments, metalling, &c., would cost £1, 250. To trim up the road from White Horse road to the creek, pitching the worst portions, but not widening banks or cuttings, would cost £950. The report was received, and a letter ordered to be sent to the Doncaster Council asking ifthat council were prepared to make its portion of the road providing the Nunawading Council agreed to form the part in their territory.
1898 'DONCASTER TRAM ROAD.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 December, p. 3. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9864980
THE KOONUNG CREEK ROAD.
In reference to a claim made by Mr. Glassford on behalf of shareholders in the old Doncaster Electric Tramway Company, for £250 for the metal on the tram road, an opinion was received at the Nunawading Shire Council meeting on Monday evening from the shire solicitors, Messrs. Maddock, Johnson, and Jamieson, who held that as the road was a public street within the meaning of the act, no person, unless with the consent of the council, had any right to interfere with bridges, culverts, or metal on the road, and, therefore, Mr. Glassford had no legal claim to the metal. It was decided, on the motion of Councillors Collier and Blood, that a conference of the Nunawading and Doncaster Councils be held as soon as possible, so as to come to a satisfactory arrangement to have the construction of the road gone on with.
1899 'THE KOONUNG CREEK ROAD.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 8 February, p. 8. , viewed 30 Mar 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9520337
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