Significance

Yields information about a system of tram passes that were provided to the City of Ballarat Councillors in 1960 and has a strong association with the Councillors himself.

Physical description

Stamped brass badge or pass for free travel on the Ballarat Tramways for the year 1906. Stamped to give the words "Ballarat Electric Trams 1906" on the outer edge of the Badge and then stamped out to give the letters 'B E T" on the inside of the badge. On the top of the badge, a hole has been provided and a steel ring fitted.



On the rear of the badge has the letters "CR. D. Hughes" stamped on the top of the badge and on the bottom the manufacturer's name "Stokes" in a reverse stamp.



Indicates badge issued to Councillor D. Hughes for the year 1906.



A similar badge was sold on ebay for $US 49.95 December 2007 - paperwork on file. Images on file - images i3 and i4. Was issued to Councillor C. R. Brokenshire.



E-mail from Alan Bradley, re additional item 29/1/2012 - See Reg Item - The Electric Supply Co issued the passes to councillors of the City of Ballaarat for free tram rides. I don't know whether passes also went to Ballarat East and Sebastopol councillors as well.



In Bill Scott's "Last tram at 11" on page 41 is a 1912 poem 'The councillor's farewell to his tramway pass". The ESCo tried a few economy measures at that time. Passes for councillors were withdrawn in 1912, as were free passes for employees "owing to our financial position". Employees were still allowed on free in uniform, but charged one-third of fare when off duty. In 1913 one-man operation came in."



For another example see Reg item 5239.



Related documents provides some information on the value of the items.