Spit tram centenary

This month marks a significant anniversary in the story of transport in Sydney, the centenary of the first tram service from Manly to the Spit and Sydney.

Several deputations to the Minister for Works from Manly Council and Manly Tramway League took place between 1901 and 1907, and finally Parliament passed The Spit to Manly Electric Tramway Act in December 1908. Work began on 12 January 1910.

The line ran from the Spit to the high ground of Balgowlah through heavy cuttings, along the ridge of Sydney Road, descending via Ivanhoe Park to level ground in Raglan Street, a journey of just over three miles. Regular services began on 9 January 1911. The track was single line, with three crossing loops (Parsley Loop, Condamine Loop and Ivanhoe Loop). Trams ran at half-hourly intervals, and it took 25 minutes to cover the distance fom the Spit to Manly.

A specially-decorated J class tramcar bedecked in greenery, with the slogan 'Advance Manly' painted on its prow, departed from the Spit terminus for Manly on the afternoon of 9th January carrying the offical party. Among the dignitaries were Dr Richard Arthur, MLA, Mr R T Ball, MLA and Dr Nash, MLC. They were met at Raglan Street, at Ivanhoe Park, by Mrs Griffiths, the wife of the Minister for Works, who cut the ceremonial ribbon with the assistance of Mayor of Manly, James Bonner. It was now possible to travel to Sydney and back by tram for 7d.

Snake crossing

The Sydney Morning Herald reported an alarming traffic hazard on 18 December 1911: “Just as a tram from the Spit had reached Balgowlah Heights on Saturday afternoon, the passengers on the front seat saw a huge brown snake bearing down the track towards them. Its quarry was a large lizard, and so preoccupied was it with the prospect of the prospective meal, that it left the tram out of its calculations. The lizard passed under the tram, and the snake, but a couple of feet behind, followed. The tram-driver, anxious to be in at the kill, pulled up short, and with some passengers, rushed back along the track. But the kill was over. The lizard escaped, so far as the tram was concerned, but the snake, 5 feet long at least, had been cut in three pieces by the wheels.”