THE wheels are in motion to save various parts of a 100-year-old tram carriage which has been rotting away at the City Council’s works depot.
In August, a request was received from Christine Adams, curator of the Sulphide Street Railway Museum, for the donation of the front part of the old tram carriage situated at the Warnock Street Depot, for display at the museum.
An original passenger tram carriage in two parts was donated about 1999 or 2000 by a station property owner to the Line of Lode Association.
This carriage dates from about 1900 to 1920.
When the Line of Lode Association wound up about 2003, this along with other items was donated to the Council.
Over the years a number of options have been raised for the carriage, ranging from disposal to seeking funding for restoration or conservation.
However, no action was taken to progress any of these options and as of last month, the carriages were still at the Council’s Warnock Street yard in an advanced state of deterioration.
On August 27, Council heritage advisor Liz Vines attended the site to inspect the carriages.
Ms Vines confirmed their poor condition and supported in principle the request by the Sulphide Street Railway Museum to conserve and display the historical artefact, as long as care was taken to follow accepted standards in its conservation and in dealing with potential asbestos hazards.
At the October Council meeting, Mrs Adams spoke during the public forum.
She said she had spent many years trying to save the tram carriage.
“Currently the carriage is in two parts and it is not in good condition,” she said.
“A previous heritage advisor, Paul Davies, said that parts of the carriage could be saved.
“We would like to put a section in the transport pavilion – we already have photos of the tram there and a small model of the tram made by K B Rauert.”
During the week, Mrs Adams said originally Mr Davies wanted it turned into a sculpture to be put in Town Square.
“But that never happened,” she said.
“We just want to do something to remember the history of trams in Broken Hill.
“It will be a much simpler project to acknowledge the tram system.”
Mrs Adams said she hoped a bench seat with curved roofing would be saved and put on the wall, along with former tram doors and some track that had been saved.
She said a lot of work would be done by the museum volunteers.
“We will be waiting for the paperwork to be completed by Council so I don’t think it will be started until after the new year.”
The Council’s report that went to the monthly meeting recommended the general manager be given authority to undertake negotiations on the proposed donation to the Sulphide Street Railway Museum, upon receipt and consideration of a significance assessment.
It was carried unanimously with all councillors voting to support it.
