AUCKLAND’S DISASTROUS TRAM SMASH

One of Auckland’s worst transport disasters has been largely forgotten today. With railed public transport due to return to Auckland streets, I think this story is timely.

Artist’s Impression of Disaster (stuff.co.nz)

Queen Street was crowded with excited crowds out shopping that Christmas Eve back in 1903. The main department stores offered bargains for last minute gifts, and windows were given over to colourful displays to woo the crowds.

At one end of the street a long queue shuffled its way slowly through the doors of the Opera House for the highly successful season of the pantomime ‘Bluebeard’. A short distance away, another crowd chattered while waiting for the curtain to rise on John Fuller and Son’s latest vaudeville extravaganza. read more