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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4785, 24 July 1876, Page 2

We are glad to know that the tram-car engine system, proposed to [be used on tlm Wellington tramways, ha* been giving the highest satisfaction where it has been tried in England. The Times of 27th May speak* in its favor thus :—“ During the whole of last week a new tramway engine was running upon the Dewsbury, Birstal, and Batley tramway line. The engine, which was manufactured by Messrs. Merryweather and Sons, of Eondon, was attached to an ordinary car, and worked the regular traffic in its turn with the horse cars, giving every satisfaction, and not occasioning any inconvenience. It is entirely enclosed, and presents the appearance of a diminutive car in front of the other car, and is free from noise, smoke, or other objection. It is the intention of the Dewsbury Tramway Company to apply for parliamentary powers to work the traffic on their lines by steam. We may mention that similar engines by these makers have for some time been satisfactorily running on the Paris tramway Hues.” We understand further that Merryweather and Sons have lately completed an order for fifty tram-car engines, which are now running on the streets of Paris. Captain Tyler, E.E., the Imperial Government Inspector, in a report to the Board of Trade some time ago, showed that the employment of other than horse power On tramways would be an undeniable step in advance in aveiding the wear and tear to the road surfaces occasioned by horses' feet; and further on remarked: “As regards danger to foot passengers there can in no case be the same risk with tramway cars as with omnibuses. l The foot-passenger has only to look for a oar along its own track, while he must be on the lookout for omnibuses along every part, of the streets which they traverse.”