Yields information about a social welfare or friendly society part of the Ballarat Tramways - group who looked after their fellow workers through contributions. Gives the rules of the 'The Ballarat Tramways Social Welfare Benefit and Mortality Club'Carbon copy of a six page quarto sized document titled "The Constitution and Rules of 'The Ballarat Tramways Social Welfare Benefit and Mortality Club'". Details the objects, membership, committee, elections, operation, meetings, trustees, contribution, benefits (in $ terms) of sickness or death (funeral expenses contribution), accounts and references to the Friendly Society Act. social welfare, sickness, secv, ballarat

Yields information about the rostering of crews possibly for a specific day, alterations to regular rosters/runs. Handwritten.Handwritten notes - undated - about the traffic arrangements, possibly for a particular day - gives 9 different run numbers, changes to run and details on starting and finishing times and what to change with. Exact context of use unknown - could have been the changes for a particular day towards the end of the services due to crew shortages.trams, tramways, timetables, sec, ballarat, crews

Yields information about a social welfare or friendly society part of the Ballarat Tramways - group who looked after their fellow workers through contributions. Gives the rules of the 'The Ballarat Tramways and SEC Benefit Fund'Sixteen page with light brown light weight card covers, centre stapled book titled "The Objects, Rules and Regulations of 'The Ballarat Tramways and SEC Benefit Fund." Details the committee, that it was approved by the Department of Social Services, name, objects, constitution, trustees, executive, collectors, meeting of members, members qualifications, benefits (in pounds), claims, unfinancial members, payment of claims, the Secretary, alteration to constitution and Order of business. Note the membership allowed for any SEC employee in the district. President J. Tucker Secretary and Treasurer - W. Cross Vice President L.Hoare and H. Gilbert Committee - R. Parrot, P.Egan, V.McCartin, B. Browne, S. Stevenson, T. Tonkin, J.Megee. Later version of Reg Item 3658, benefits similar, but contribution 1/6 - instead of 1/- per week. Noted on page 1 as being revised on 29/6/1963. Additional copy added 6/8/2016 from donation of T. Jeffreys. See also Reg Item 7134 for another version. Full scan of document added as a pdf file 5/6/2019.On front cover in ink "H.Knight", copy 2 - On top right hand corner of cover "A. Jeffreys" in blue ink.trams, tramways, social welfare, sickness, sec, ballarat

Yields information about a social welfare or friendly society part of the Ballarat Tramways - group who looked after their fellow workers through contributions. Gives the rules of the Ballarat Tramways and SEC Benefit Fund.Sixteen page with light brown light weight card covers, centre stapled book titled "The Objects, Rules and Regulations of 'The Ballarat Tramways and SEC Benefit Fund." Details the committee, that it was approved by the Department of Social Services, name, objects, constitution, trustees, executive, collectors, meeting of members, members qualifications, benefits (in pounds), claims, unfinancial members, payment of claims, the Secretary, alteration to constitution and Order of business. Note the membership allowed for any SEC employee in the district. President H. Knight Secretary and Treasurer - W. Cross Vice President F. Spielvogel and J. Tucker Committee - C. Phillips, H.Gilbert, A.Johnson, G. Millar, P.Hubbard, D.McLeod, L. Hoare, W.Edwards, W.Lyons, W.Cross, J.Young, H.Knight, E.Cartledge, T.Duke, W.Waight, S.Todd, V.McCartin. Dated - 24/1/1947- earlier version of Reg Item 3657, benefits similar, but contribution lower 1/- instead of 1/6 per week. This may See also Reg item 7134 for a similar document but with different committee membes and an alteration to the Rules. Full scan of document added as a pdf file 5/6/2019. On front cover in ink "D.Kellett"trams, tramways, social welfare, sickness, sec, ballarat

Yields information about the tram timetables applicable to Melbourne's trams, including cable and electric and demonstrates the spread of Melbourne's public transport system in the early 1920's.Forty Eight page printed book contained with oversize green heavy paper covers centre stapled with a coloured map glued into the rear cover of the book titled "OSBA Tram Time Tables with Railway and Tramway Map, of Melbourne and Suburbs". Published c1920 - shows Footscray system, Victoria St Flemington link, does not show Puckle St. Timetables details Fares, first and last cars for cable and electric lines, sections and other details of the various lines. Note page 44 and 45 cannot be accessed, paper not cut correctly during the printing process - leave as is. Map prepared by Gawler and Drummond Architects, shows in colour the cable routes, electric tramways, authorised tramways and railway lines. Municipalities shown in different colours. Map folded into 12 sections. Published by Osboldstone & Co Pty Ltd, Printers and Publishers, Temple Court Place, Melbourne. Price 6d. Full scan of document added as a pdf file 5/6/2019. map, timetables, melbourne, cable trams

Has a strong association with tram crews, possibly inspector (Dave Kellett?) in Ballarat. Prepared by Dave Kallett to undertake follow ups and to assist in the training of crews by checking their knowledge.Black gloss paper covered notebook or address book, titled "Where is it?, use by Dave Kellett? as a note book to record questions for tram drivers, when acting as an inspector. Note book has tabs marked for "A to W". Notebook consists of four sections, sewn into the spine, with glued full page covers. Gold block on top and bottom edges. Last few pages torn out. Each page ruled with blue and red lines at the top. Has a decimal currency conversion table in the front inside cover and a 1967 calendar on the rear inside cover. On bottom of rear cover, stamped, "Made in Japan". Handwritten questions cover various driving and electrical aspects of the trams, both 4 wheelers and bogie trams. Full scan of document added as a pdf file 5/6/2019.trams, tramways, notebooks, training, tramcar equipment

Set of two A4 sheets photocopied, of Hansard, Questions on Notice, Victorian Legislative Assembly, dated 20 November 1979, pages 4722 and 4723, giving details of funding to major tourist projects. This followed a question from Mr. S. Cathie to Mr Hamer as Minister for State Development Decentralization and Tourism. Answer in table form giving details of funding from 1974 to 1979 financial years. Notes the Ballarat Historic Tramway had received funding of $29522.93 in 1978-79. Has been underlined in red ink. Lists many other organisations as well. Two sheets stapled in the top left hand corner.trams, tramways, btps, funding, tourism

Quarto duplicated sheet titled "An Appeal to All members and Supporters", seeking funds to complete the construction of the new depot buildings, c1978. Gives the reason for seeking funds and notes that donations are tax deductible. Has a tear off section at the base for return to the Treasurer, Mrs. C. Dean.tram, trams, btps, appeals, depot extensions

Yields information about the appearance of the tramway and other vehicular traffic in Ballarat in 1060 and was used to illustrate a proposal to rename the street.Black and White photograph of Ballarat No. 38 at the Eastern end of Sturt St West, following proposal to name that section the "Royal Mile". Photo published by The Courier 5/4/1960. Has the outbound tram standing while the front door is open with the driver looking back. Note the lack of motor vehicles (cars) in the street. Collected by Alan Bradley from the Ballarat Courier early 1980's. See Excel file "Record of Ballarat Courier Photos SEC era" (Archive Documents) for source of details.On rear stamped "Copyright, The Ballarat Courier Proprietary Limited." and "91 ARPT" in ink.tramways, trams, sturt st west, royal mile, tram 38

Yields information about the day to day nature of the operations in Ballarat, especially derailments at points of maximum traction bogie trams and the way people behaved at such times.Black and White photograph of Ballarat No. 34 derailed, Sturt & Drummond St corner (south side), causing disruption to tram services. Photo published by The Courier 20/7/1960, published on 21/7/1960. Three single truck trams are banked up behind the tram. Note the lady passengers remained on board while the Gentlemen watched from the street in their overcoats. Tram has two Admiral roof advertisements, advertising Televisions (TV), about the time of the introduction of TV into Ballarat. Collected by Alan Bradley from the Ballarat Courier early 1980's. See Excel file "Record of Ballarat Courier Photos SEC era" (Archive Documents) for source of details. High Res Images added 5/3/2011.On rear stamped "Copyright, The Ballarat Courier Proprietary Limited."tramways, trams, sturt st, hospital corner, drummond st, derailments, accidents, tram 34

Yields information about the events that can happen to a operating tramway - broken overhead wire. Lesser significance account quality of photograph.Black and White copy photograph of a newspaper photograph taken by The Courier 21/11/1960, published on 22/11/1962 of No. 37 near broken wire, Hamilton Avenue (copied from newsprint) - with conductor "guarding the fallen wire" Collected by Alan Bradley from the Ballarat Courier early 1980's. See Excel file "Record of Ballarat Courier Photos SEC era" (Archive Documents) for source of details. Possibly Charles Wilkie - daughter of Deanne Robbins, 0488 135 137 - see file "Letter to D. Robbins re Charles Wilkie.doc", 22/8/2008 - with worksheet and other notes. Confirmed by Deanne Robbins 12/10/08 as Charlie Wilke - still alive and 89 years old at the time - see worksheet for copies of correspondence and notes.On rear stamped "Copyright, The Ballarat Courier Proprietary Limited."tramways, trams, overhead, accidents, safety, tram 37

Yields information about the an unusual accident with a milk cart, no horse in the view, on the Mt Pleasant line outside a milk bar.Black and White copy photograph of a newspaper photograph taken by The Courier - Bogie car after collision with horse drawn milk cart, Barkly & Gladstone Sts corner. Photo taken 28/6/1966, published 29/6/1966. Has Frampton's Milk bar in the left hand side of the photo with a Peters ad, workers recovering bottles. Note the milk in the grooves of the track. Would appear tram was inbound with destination of Gardens via Drummond St. Nth, member of the crew reversing the tram to assist in the clean up, with an inspector at the far end. Collected by Alan Bradley from the Ballarat Courier early 1980's. See Excel file "Record of Ballarat Courier Photos SEC era" (Archive Documents) for source of details.On rear stamped "Copyright, The Ballarat Courier Proprietary Limited."tramways, trams, milk cart, accidents, mt pleasant

Black and White copy photograph taken by The Courier, taken on 9/06/1970, published 10/6/1970 of No. 18 with anti-litter advertisement sponsored by Ballarat Jaycees, at Carlton St loop. "Keep Ballarat Beautiful" and "Electricity is Cleaner and Easier to Use" - indicating that the SEC may have sponsored the Advertisements on the tram. Conductor standing in the doorway with a point bar. Tram has the destination of "Gardens via Sturt St." Collected by Alan Bradley from the Ballarat Courier early 1980's. See Excel file "Record of Ballarat Courier Photos SEC era" (Archive Documents) for source of details. 3760.1 - Copy of the original newspaper cutting added 9-11-2018 from donation of Glenise Kellett. Title of cutting "On schedule...with a message" - A hand written note on the cutting above the head line gives the possible name of the conductor with the point bar as "Van Orshot" Photo in box 01-01-77 Newspaper item in box 01-01-09in ink above the headline "Van Orshot"tramways, trams, carlton st, advertisements, jaycees, tram 18

Yields information about the incidents that can occur on a street tramway system - collisions resulting in derailments than can affect other people as well.Black and White copy photograph of a newspaper photograph taken by The Courier - photo taken 20/6/1970, published 2/6/1970 of No. 13 after derailment & collision with car, Drummond St North. Shows tramcar behind in the crossing loop, Inspector talking to the police and people looking at a damaged vehicle. Note the pole is still on the overhead - hopefully the power had been turned off. Collected by Alan Bradley from the Ballarat Courier early 1980's. See Excel file "Record of Ballarat Courier Photos SEC era" (Archive Documents) for source of details.On rear stamped "Copyright, The Ballarat Courier Proprietary Limited."tramways, trams, drummond st nth, accidents, derailments, collision, tram 13

Photocopy of an article in the State Electricity Commission of Victoria Magazine, Contact, Vol 1, No. 3, Nov. 1936 titled "Geelong Electric Tramways". Two A4 sheets. The article gives a short history of the development of the Geelong tramway system, replacement of petrol buses, extensions to Belmont, Chilwell and North Geelong. Gives track construction details, track renewals from 1924 (concrete stringers replacement), trolley wire, power supply (550V DC), rolling stock, Birney trams, services, fares, passenger numbers and the new SEC green uniforms. Has a photo of the Geelong depot with senior staff named and a photo of a tramwayman in the new Green uniform. Trams 27,30, 5, 23 and 6. Record revised 3/4/2019 to add digital images with those from Andrew Cook CD. Andrew notes the person in the photo could be Mr. Percy.trams, tramways, sec, geelong, trackwork, uniforms, track repairs

Set of 10 sheets, photocopied on heat sensitive paper, foolscap size graph paper sheets giving the weekday tables or runs for the SEC Ballarat trams following the closure of the Victoria St. - Gardens via Drummond St. North service. Gives details of 29 tables or runs, numbered from 3 Run to 38 Run. Each sheet headed "Weekdays". Each run details where the driver/conductor would sign on, time, the trips, meal breaks, finish time and the total time of the shift. A number of the sheets have minor notes or changes to the timetable in ink, primarily about the change of tramcar type. Sheet 3, Run 12 had a handwritten addition over the run details at the base of the run details. Was fixed to sheet with adhesive tape. Has been stored in separate envelope with sheets. Stored separately with these sheets are a photocopies of each sheet reduced to A4 size.trams, tramways, timetables, sec, ballarat, crews

Photocopy of two photos in an unknown magazine, with the page heading of "Something Old", page 79 of: 1. - Ballarat trams No. 15 and 24 at the City terminus in Sturt St with the Town Hall in the background. No. 15 has the destination of Mt. Pleasant. (See Reg Item 3804 for a large print) 2. - Geelong trams No. 32 and two other single truck trams, at the corner of Ryie and Moorabool Streets with the T&G building in the background. No. 32 has the destination of Belmont. Photos c1950. Three copies on A4 size pager held. "The Ballarat Tramways" notes that No. 15 arrived in Ballarat October 1945 and was renumbered to No. 36 in 1953. Both photos credited to the SECtrams, tramways, ballarat, town hall

Four page colour laser printed document presenting photos of the BTM Isolating Transformer, following its failure, at the ABB's Yarraville Workshop, on 8/11/2004. Photos taken with a digital camera. Document prepared using MS Word. Shows transformer in the partly dismantled state. Note - not all images used in the document. Two copies held. Ten digital images held on file. See Reg. Item 3230 for transformer plates. btps, substation, depot, electric traction, electric failure

3046.1 - Printed form titled "Revenue Journal", for recording the value of tickets sold by Conductors. Headed - Electricity Supply Depart, Provincial Tramways". Has value of tickets up to 7d, parcel tickets of 4d. Gives the opening and closing number of tickets or checks issued to the conductor, check returned by conductor, total number issued, value, returned by conductor, cash returned, Prepared in L (pound), shilling and pence format, or notes, silver and copper. Used in during the mid 1950's. Has space for hospital vouchers and area where signed by conductor. Printed on off white paper. Has form number TYE 1-280. Two copies held. On the rear of one sheet has written ink ticket denominations issues from 28/2/1963 to 1/1/1969 - seven different series, though first have then been crossed out. Repeat on second sheet. Gives value of tickets issued, including scholars and parcel tickets. 3046.2 - Lined foolscap sheet - hand written notes on fares up till June 1958, then through to 1/2/1969 - 6 different fare schedules. Has been folded into 8.trams, tramways, tickets, accounting, revenue journal, conductors

3047.1 - Printed form titled "Revenue Journal", for recording the value of tickets sold by Conductors. Headed - Electricity Supply Depart, Provincial Tramways". Has value of tickets up to 12c, parcel tickets of 8c. Gives the opening and closing number of tickets or checks issued to the conductor, check returned by conductor, total number issued, value, returned by conductor, cash returned, both decimal and imperial currency, space for hospital vouchers and area where signed by conductor. Printed on off white paper. Has form number TYE 1-280 (R2/66). 3047.2 - same form but with values up to 7d, parcel tickets of 4d. Prepared in pounds, shilling and pence format, or notes, silver and copper. Used in during the mid 1950's. Two copies held. trams, tramways, tickets, accounting, revenue journal, conductors

Printed form titled "Application for Permission to Change Shifts" for Bendigo Tramways. Duplicated Quarto size form for the formal authorization for tram crews to change shift with another tram crew member. Notes the AT&MOEA Award and has space for the authorization and signature of applicants. Two copies held. Assumed used to the close of the tramways. trams, tramways, tram crews, shifts, inspectors

Photocopy of original form, titled "Bendigo Tramways Alteration to Fares commencing Sunday, 26 January 1969", giving new fares schedule for Adults, Children, up to 18c for four sections, special city section fares, scholars monthly tickets, newspapers, parcels and excess luggage. Signed by A.C.Sandow as Manager and printed by Arthur Hocking Print, Bendigo. Original copy of sign provided to Bendigo Tramways. See Donation note. trams, tramways, signs, fares, bendigo

Demonstrates aspects of the way the SEC issued rules to employees on how they should behave and perform their duties safely. Yields information on particular items and operations. Has strong association with two well known Ballarat trammies.Twenty eight or 24 page , centre sewn book within grey Rexene covers with paper sides and gold blocked title "State Electricity Commission of Victoria / Tramways / Rules Governing Employees / March 1948. Opposite inside title page, is the issuing information, No. and who to and classification. Provides 93 General Rules for crews - Motormen and Conductors. 3116.1 - 28 page version - Three copies, printed by J.J. Gourley, Government Printer Melbourne, printing No. FTY 18-8-11858/50 Copy 1 - issue to Gittings W, and Carter R. - both conductors, has issue No. 1 Copy 2 - R. Rewell Conductor "Temporary" Copy 3 - M. Paterson Conductor 18.1.60 3116.2 - 24 page version, with issue sheet on the inside front cover - two copies, with printing No. FTY18-8 2668/48 copy 1 - H.Cameron Conductor has issue No. 19 copy 2 - no issue details. copy 3 - issued to R Courtney No. 64 - added 18/1/2007 copy 4 - issued to D. C. Kellett, No. 67 - added 18/1/2007 Ex 3116.3 - 24 page version with the 18/8/1949 approved by-laws (dark green sheet) adhered to the rear cover. Issued to J. Alcock, Motorman Conductor, issue No. 23. Accidentally catalogued - should have been sent to Bendigo as part of P. Watt materials (see Reg Item 3045). Removed from box and this note made 14-07-2006. See btm8078.5 for another copy and a pdf scan.3116.1, copy 1 on the top of page 3 "Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society Catalogue No. 302" 3116.2 - copy 1 ditto 3116.2 - copy 3 - "R.Courtney Motorman/Cond" and "64" on issue page. 3116.2 - copy 4 - "D.C. Kellett Conductor" and "67" on issue page. Handwritten issue details as above. trams, tramways, rules, regulations, by laws, sec, motormen, conductors

Handwritten note, in ink or two colours - on a single sheet of paper titled "M&MT Board Disciplinary Action. 5/6/41". Describes MMTB disciplinary procedures for general matters and collisions and the Board of Reference which hears any appeals arising out of the disciplinary hearings.`trams, tramways, mmtb, unions, discipline, collision

Demonstrates aspects of the Ballarat Tramways management system of Traffic Inspector rosters and that they worked a 38 week. Gives two different arrangements.Typed sheet, two carbon copies, giving two forms of rosters for Traffic Inspectors. Titled "Traffic Inspectors' Rotating Duty Rosters" and dated 29-8-1966, has rosters for four traffic inspectors - four week rotation and for three inspectors - three weeks rotation. Shows the hours of work (all 38 hour week), starting and finishing times, for each day of the week. Note under heading says "As from 17 May 1954". Did it change with the number of inspectors available? That is with one of the four being on leave. See also Reg. Item 3421 for the 1954 arrangements. Two copies held. 3rd copy added 12/3/2009Both copies marked in top right hand corner in black ink "BTPS 808"trams, tramways, timetables, sec, ballarat, crews, inspectors

Yields information about the dimensions and equiipment on Ballarat Tramcars operated by the SEC.Typed List of tramcars and their details for Ballarat dated 5-August-1964, titled "Numbers and Particulars of Trams". Prepared by Les Denmead, typed by PB. Ballarat - typed carbon copy - two sheets, are taped together. Gives details of where purchased from , date of purchase, type, body builder, seating capacity, overall length, overall height, overall width, condition of tram, trolley base, Lightning arrester, controller make and type, Truck Maker and type, type of truck, axle type, wheel base, axle diameter, motors type and maker, Motor horsepower, Armature bearings, suspension bearings, gear teeth, Air compressor make and type, Brake Valves make and type, Governor make and type, Weight in tons and details of advertising space in racks. At base has typed (original) list of trams of the two types, single truckers and bogie trams. List of trams includes the scrubber and No. 20 which was scrapped prior to system closure. See also 8721 and 8722 for other versions - different dates and 8690 for a Bendigo list. Note: Framed copies of both Ballarat and Bendigo are held in the depot. Some changes have been made to the tramcars since the preparation of this sheet and there are some errors and differences. See also Reg Item 6879 for an annotated version.In black ink, top right hand corner - "Ballarat Tramway Preservation Society Cat No. 613"tramcars, ballarat, equipment, lists, data

Significant in being a detailed set of instructions for the Forest City signalling system that was operated by the tram's trolley pole. Details of the locations and crossing loops where used, primarily around the loop and through Bridge St. and how it operated. Prepared and printed by the SEC during 1965.Five page, foolscap duplicated document, stapled in two locations along the top edge, titled Forest City Signals, and dated 20-1-1965, giving details about the Forest City signalling system installed in Ballarat. Explains how the system operates, gives instructions, details of the system, location of the loops, trams following each other, power failure. Also gives details of how the Bridge St system operated and the switch at Grenville St. Gives instructions for running out of the depot. Note: The locations of the signals are not as detailed as in the Driver Training Manual - See Reg Item 3486 See also Reg Item 5373 for another similar copy and fully scanned copy.trams, tramways, signals, crossing loop, forest city signals, grenville st, wendouree parade

Form used to record a summary of the working hours of crews, showing the total hours and the hours worked when one man operation. Gives a list of names at the time when the form prepared. Also used by Ray Hall as a sheet of paper to write out the details of No. 9 run for Sundays as a reference document.Duplicated typed form, foolscap sheet, titled "Summary of daily time sheets - Traffic Department", giving name, total time, one man rate time, and spread of hours. Has a list of employee names in two columns. 3462.1 - Dated 9-5-1971 - has written out on rear of sheet, details of Sunday No. 5 run and details of shift for following week. 3462.2 - Dated 26/6/1971 - Sunday - On rear of sheets, Ray Hall - has used the sheet to write out Saturday 15 run details. On bottom of run note has written "My work for next Saturday" and "Could you be ready to go out the paper mill some time in the future at about 7pm" Names on the sheet are: (in alphabetical order on the sheet) L Walker H Knight J Smerdon A Turnbull A Mercer R. Courtney W. Ward R. Williams A. Jeffreys D. McGregor D. Thomson I Willis D O'Leary J. Maher A. Morris D. Domaschenz R. G. Knight E Lake I. Tierney N Cahill N Reynolds W. Davies N. Hamilton L. McMahon J. Billman W. Nancarrow H. M. Van Oorschot W. Newell L. Bird D. Chambers H. Van Rooy H. Mannion N. Robe E. Van Rooy M. Blackman H. Hall J. Mason S. Davies W. F. Segrave N. D. Hunt K. Butler V. L. Gill R. K, Morris D. Everett T. Williams A. Reed B. Melville I. Trenfield See above.trams, tramways, timetables, sec, ballarat, shifts, times

Letter detailing the personal history of one of Australia's largest coach and tramcar builders - James Duncan. Information provided by a family member. Gives personal details and his political involvement.Photocopy - 6 A4 pages of a letter to the BTPS dated 29-3-1995 concerning the history of James Duncan of Duncan and Fraser of Adelaide. From Mrs. Pat Cass of Kangaroo Island, SA. Has a covering letter re Duncan and Fraser and mentions Len Millar in Bendigo and Ballarat. Gives information about James Duncan history in coach building, including some notes on tram building, the Ford agency and other work, his membership of Adelaide organisations and date of birth and death. Rear sheet has two oval photographs of Duncan and Fraser from a book. (is the original of this letter with the Secretary files?) - should be swapped around. Images of document added 27-08-12.trams, tramways, duncan fraser, coach building, tramcar bodies, adelaide

Consists of formation history, track and route dates, operator, SEC takeover and route lengths. Three pages of statistics - Income, Expenditure and loss 1935 to 1936, - includes car miles., operational statistics, expenditure breakdown of the SEC era. The last three years of operational statistics have been filled in by hand. Probably prepared late 1960's by Les Denmead (assumption here - See Reg item 3289 and 3483 for Bendigo version)Yields historical notes and statistics on the Geelong Tramway system - the statistical information being the most important. Shows the financial situation of the Geelong system was never satisfactory.Four sets - original and three copies - foolscap typed documents, five pages each, titled "Geelong Tramways Early History". 'BTPS 402" in top right hand corner.trams, tramways, geelong, sec, mesco, history, statistics