Opening of the steam tram service, Adelaide Road

The official opening day of the Wellington City Tramways Company Ltd. and their steam tram service, Saturday 24th August 1878. 

The photograph pictures staff of the company with their family members posing in front of two Merryweather steam trams with the names Florence and Hibernia. The purpose-built tramsheds in the background were situated on the corner of Adelaide Road and King Street.

The company had a very short success, facing financial difficulties and opposition from nearby residents due to the noise and soot from the vehicles. By 1900 the steam engines had been replaced with horse-drawn trams and the enterprise was purchased by the Wellington City Council.