A farewell to horse-drawn trams

A postcard commemorating the end of the horse-drawn tram service following the electrification of the tramway network in 1904. The photograph taken at the Newtown Tram Depot formerly in Adelaide Road. The horse-drawn tram service started in 1882, replacing a steam-powered tram system which began in 1878 but which was unpopular because of its noise and reliability issues. 

"In affectional remembrance of the Wellington horse cars, which succumbed to an electric shock, Aug, 18th, 1904 after 26 years of faithful service. Gone but not forgotten"

[n.b.; the horse drawn tram service lasted 22 years, not 26 so it appears that the first four years of steam tram service were included either by accident or design].