File:Tram and crowd scene in Queen Street near George Street, Brisbane, c 1899.jpg

English: The Telegraph

21 February 1899

Trouble at Tram Rails.

Several days have now been fixed for the opening of the second line of rails across the bridge, but in each case there has been a disappointment, and at the present time matters are in such a state that no definite period can be fixed. Tho difficulty arises from the fact two or three of the longitudinal girders between tho second line of rails have been split and have been ordered to be taken up. The contractor has several times promised to replace them, but; apparently does nothing more than promise, although the time necessary for taking up tho condemned girders would not bo extended, and the work could well be done after the tram service has stopped for the night. There is some diffidence in removing the present connections until permanency can be established. There seems also to be another little difficulty in consequence of the rails being out of gauge in one place. This has been caused by the decking between the rails being too tight.

An intimation was given by the contractor some days ago that tho work would be completed last Wednesday, but how a decision of that sort could have been arrived at when the last of tho timber was only forth coming this morning, it is hard to say. It is now nearly six months since the contract was signed, and the work was to have been finished in two months. The cause of the delay is stated to be the incapacity of the contractor to get wood which would be passed by the inspectors; but we have been informed that hundreds of feet of really good, timber have been absolutely spoiled by careless cutting.

A letter is to hand from Messrs. Brown and David, stating that tho delay in running the tram cars on the second line of rails is not caused by the difference between the contractor and the inspector with reference to the longitudinal beams as stated by us in Tuesday's paper, but by 'the neglect of the contractor to carry out instructions with regard to the other matters.' The letter further stated that as soon the work was satisfactorily completed the necessary connections would be made and the work handed over to the general manager.

www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM1367621