Buses Replace Last Gateshead Trams
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TRAMWAYS had served their day I and generation well, said Mr. W. T. fames, 0.13.E., chairman of the Gateshead and District Omnibus Co., Ltd., when he spoke at a dinner held last Saturday to mark the end of the company's tram services. The trams made their final runs at Gateshead that day. The cost of the conversion to motorbuses was approximately f350,000. The Gateshead concern was formed in. 1880 and first ran services three years later. In 1897, the British Electric Traction organization took an interest in the undertaking, with a view to electrification, and the trams commenced services in 1901.
Mr. James added that 100 members of the staff had completed 25 years' service, nine having been with the company over 40 years. Speaking on the subject of workmen's fares, he considered that there was no reason why the housewife or black-coated worker should subsidize the highly paid artisan.
Mr. H. C. Drayton, chairman of the British Electric Traction Co., Ltd„ said that it was a principle of the organization that its constituent concerns shauld be independent and manage their own affairs,
Other speakers included Mr. S. W. Nelson, Northern Licensing Authority, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the Mayor of Gateshead.
In a commemorative booklet, it is stated that the Gateshead and District Tramways Co. obtained powers to run motorbuses in 1909 and various services were established. Four years later, the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., obtained a controlling interest in the trams and the buses were merged with those of Norther'h General.
Powers to run trolleybuses were obtained in 1938, but conversion was prevented by the war. It was decided later that motorbuses would best serve the interests of the district and the necessary powers were obtained in 1950, the change-over being completed in 18 months. The company now operates 72 -double-deckers.
40,000 FROM VICTORIA IN ONE DAY
RECORD traffic was handled by Victor-2 Coach Station on July 28. A total of 1,300 coaches departed with approximately 40,000 passengers. Since the opening of summer bookings last February, July 28 had been the most popular date and long-distance services had been heavily booked for some time.
Over August Bank Holiday week-end, more than 3,600 coaches left the station, carrying approximately 100,000 people. Most traffic was for the south coast.
NEW TRANSPORT GROUP 1NDER the auspices of the Northwestern (Western) Area of the Road Haulage Association, a transport group to be known as the Cheshire and North Wales Carriers' Group is being formed. Hauliers wishing to join are being invited to contact the area secretary, Mr. T. S. Jacks'.
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