Set of letters to and from Mr Lewis Russell MMTB Publicity Officer and Mr. H. Campbell, the Editor The Age, regarding the forthcoming retirement of the MMTB Chairman, Mr. H. Bell, outlining his achievements - financial fares, work and general matters. Good spin.trams, tramways, the age, retirements, board members, chairman, finances, fares

Digital scans of photograph provided by Kevin Tierney of the MMTB Chairman standing on the roof of a tram to demonstrate retrieving a pole. This event occurred after a driver fell of the roof and was killed. See also Reg Item regarding a second rope Tram has destination of Kew Depot. From a The Age photograph during 1963. See Reg Items 4353 for a photograph of an actual event and 3973 for a newspaper cutting that is related to the provision of an emergency rope.trams, tramways, safety, trolley poles, emergency, accidents, drivers, chairman

Report - duplicated - 12 foolscap sheets pinned with a brass clip in the top left hand corner, titled "Statement by the Chairman (MMTB) to the Committee of Public Accounts of the Parliament of the State of Victoria", not formally dated, but c1927. Report looks at the establishment of the Board, operation of the cable tram system, failures, accidents, comparison with the electric system, costs, conversion of the cable car routes, a summary of the cable stoppages, issues with cable trams, shunting, ropes, accidents and operational matters.trams, tramways, mmtb, parliament, victorian government, finances, buses, cable trams, conversion, accidents

Radio transcript - 10 foolscap sheets, typed, titled "Wireless address 3LO by Mr Alex Cameron, Chairman MMTB 12 Jan 1930 - 745pm - Our Trams and Safety". Introduction refers to a request from the Safety Council of Australia, about safety around trams. Notes braking systems, tramcar maintenance, Preston Workshops, training, medical examinations, accident statistics, cable trams, more accidents with cable cars, knock downs mainly in the city, step accidents, crowding on trams, passengers knocked down by motor cars, tram stops, safety zones, traffic regulation, motor traffic, motor vehicle licencing, parking, and lane markings. Has a lists of don't for motorists, pedestrians and passengers.trams, tramways, radio stations, accidents, behaviour, driver training, brakes, safety, medical, cable trams, statistics, motor vehicles, traffic control

Radio transcript - 3 foolscap sheets, typed, untitled with a hand written note "Broadcast 3/9/1928" on top edge about Safety around trams. Refers to a talk during Dec. 1927, by Mr. T. Reynolds, now President of the National Safety Council of Australia. Notes the brakes on tramcars, driver training, human factors, Swanston St prior to conversion and post, accidents, numbers, no. of persons knocked down (could also include step accidents), pedestrians, traffic lights, and gives a list of don't's - passenger behaviour. Person who presented the talk not noted.hand written note "Broadcast 3/9/1928" in pencil on top of the page.trams, tramways, radio stations, accidents, behaviour, driver training, brakes

Newspaper clipping titled: The Age, 24/3/73 “It’s the new-look tram” Photo and text of Melbourne’s newest tram Minister for Transport, Mr Wilcox, look at model of new tram at Preston workshops. Mr S Bramich, electrical engineer, worked on project. Photo shows model of tram with full-size prototype behind the two men. Melbourne's new orange-coloured super trams have been designed for an era of one-man operators and women drivers. Cheaper to run. Passengers should find them more comfortable and faster. Will go into service early next month (April?). MMTB Chairman, RF Kirby said board would like to recruit women drivers for trams, especially new super trams. "...very keen to have women tram drivers. But union has objected." Kirby said board had no immediate plans for introduction of one-man operators but trams could be easily adapted. One-man operations could be used in off-peak periods. State Government recently approved calling of tenders for 100 new trams to replace Melbourne's oldest trams. 300 trams are 50 years old. New tram is 53 feet long and 8 feet 9 inches wide. Passengers will enter through front door and purchase ticket from seated conductor. Rear exit door. Improvements to new trams are:, forward boarding means all passengers have to pass conductor, reducing missed-fare problem costing about $1M per year, no running board and tram cannot move until all doors are closed. Reduce compensation payments to passengers for injuries, last year around $30K, faster acceleration and top speed of 45 mph, ventilating fans and heating during the winter, stop lights and flashing turn indicatorstrams, tramways, prototype tramcar, modelling, z class, preston workshops, minister for transport, mmtb chairman

Manuscript - 29 quarto sheets carbon copy - article for publication possibly about the history of the Melbourne cable tram system. Notes cover - the background of history of city transport, the suburban councils, the formation of the MTOC, the MTT - list the various council representatives, development of the cable system, Mr. George Duncan, Dunedin, construction works, maintenance, finances, funding, contractors, construction timing, list of lines and opening dates, winding houses, the various lines, construction issues with drainage, cable lengths, horse trams. The conversion of cable trams, annual returns for 1886 to 1935. Page 22 has a heading "Why a Prophecy was Unfulfilled" - which looks at the finances of the MTT and the folding into the Tramway Board and then the MMTB, including community obligations, the MMTB Act, conversion operations, the Chairman's tour of 1923, St Kilda Road conversion, and finally conversion of Elizabeth St and Victoria St. Article dated mid to late 1930's.trams, tramways, cable trams, melbourne, public transport, history, mto co, mtt, dunedin tramways, finances, contracts, cables, construction, track construction, conversion, mmtb, chairman, community services

Copy of a lecture by Graeme Turnbull presented 2001 titled "The development and retention of Melbourne's trams and the influence of Sir Robert Risson" Consists of 22 A4 pages, with Bibliography. Looks at the history of the Melbourne's trams, why they have been retained, the MMTB, its formation, Chairmen, Overseas influences and reports, Bourke St buses, Bourke St, the PCC car, Robert Risson, Hector Bell, Reg Ansett, the Union, design of trams, accidents, trolley poles, uniforms, Risson's personality and his strong support for trams in Melbourne. See Reg Item 6061On top in ink "Delivered at RMIT Storey Hall on Friday 20/4/2001, the 100th anniversary of Sir Robert's birthday by Graeme Turnbull" and "Received 7/12/01"trams, tramways, mmtb, chairman, pcc, buses, accidents, trolley poles, uniforms, public transport

Black and white photograph of Frank Kuffer (MMTB Safety Officer) in St Johns Ambulance uniform demonstrating Resuscitation or mouth to mouth to a lady (model?) with Sir Robert Risson watching.On rear in ink "General Risson supervising Frank Kuffer's practice on a"trams, tramways, first aid, st johns ambulance, mmtb chairman

A series of letters and notes concerning "Applications for tram car bodies 1956 - 1961" comprising (from the top) 1 - a handwritten list listing the various applications from bodies and noting that there had been some 330 private applications. on ruled paper. 2 - copy of letter by R. J. Risson to Master Paul Day re a surplus body and referring to the letter from Sir Arthur Warner. dated 29/3/1961 - on blue paper carbon copy 3 - as for 3, but initialled by Risson 4 - Hand written draft of a letter on plain paper 5 - Letter on Minister of Transport letterhead, dated 24/3/1961 to Mr. Risson forwarding the letter from Paul Day and signed by the Minister Sir Arthur Warner 6 - Hand written letter from Paul Day of Essendon with a phone number asking for a tramcar.trams, tramways, mmtb, minister for transport, sale of trams, disposal, mmtb chairman

Set of nine dockets, notes that were located in a plastic container - see history of object: 1 - docket - H R Hammond, Gentlemen's clothes cleaner, dyer and tailor - 20/5/1920 - cleaning 13/- 2 - ditto 6/5/1920 - 6/6d 3 - written note to Alex Cameron from F J Smith (?), regarding a book title 22/3/1920 4 - docket from Norman Bros Stationers, for a paper knife, 1/9d, 7/5/1920 5 - docket from Miss Allpress Registry office sending a Mr William Spencer, dated 23/4/1920 - has the address details on rear and those of H. S Dix. 6 - note - possibly arising from a meeting, undated, about the northern suburbs. 7 - Handwritten note dated 23/6/1920 about a person (cant make out name) knocked down in Flinders St at Spencer St - received two pounds compensation 8 - Receipt for a subscription to Science and industry journal for 12 issues, 1920 - from the Commonwealth Institute of Science and Industry. 9 - Docket or receipt for purchases during 1919 and 1920 from McEwans of Elizabeth St Melbourne.trams, tramways, mmtb, chairman, accidents

Report - 10 A4 pages, was stapled, titled "The Sir Robert Risson Era - An enduring legacy" looking at the achievements of Mr Risson, his army service, the use of buses in Melbourne, Bourke St, Brisbane tramways, unions, the management of the MMTB, possible closure, knighthood, his community involvement, his legacy in relation to the Melbourne tramways and public transport. Has a list of acknowledgements, References and Bibliography.trams, tramways, brisbane, melbourne, closure, history, reports, tramways, mmtb, chairman, unions

Newspaper Clipping - from a newspaper titled "Trams Still the "In Thing" - Risson at "Y" about the MMTB Chairman speaking a recent meeting of the Y Club lunch. Gives a date, but not a year. Notes Mr. Risson's recent overseas trip.trams, tramways, melbourne, reports, overseas tours

Memorandum from H H Bell, MMTB Chairman to R J Lormer Rollingstock Engineer congratulating him and the workshops on the new SW6 class tramcar No. 850. Notes the PCC Class car as a comparison.Yields information about the new SW6 class tram.Photocopy of a Memorandum - re tram SW6 850, dated 1-4-1939, printed onto an A4 size sheet.trams, tramways, new trams, tram 850, sw6 class, h h bell, r j lormer, pcc class

Black and white photograph of the MMTB Chairman Robert Risson receiving a vaccination injection on the MMTB medical bus. Has possibly Mr K. J. Brennan on the left hand side. Note the size of needle! Has a doctor and nurse in the photograph as well. This photograph has been published elsewhere. Two copies held.On rear of 2nd copy is "Risson" and "Brennan" in ink.trams, tramways, personnel, medical, mmtb, buses

Newspaper cutting from an unknown paper and date titled "Tram gets speed cut" regarding modifications to tram 980 to cut its speed. Quotes Mr. Kirby MMTB chairman and Tramway Union Secretary Mr. S. Edwards. Work being done at Preston Workshops. This dates the cutting to early 1970's.trams, tramways, pcc, preston workshops, tram equipment, specification, tram 980

Newspaper clipping from The Age, 13/1/1978 titled "New Life in US for our old trams", written by Ross Warneke on the sale of two W2 tramcars (481 and 484) to Seattle. Quotes MMTB Chairman, Mr. F. Snell, Paul Class of Gales Creek Enterprises and Councilman George Bensen of Seattle who are to visit Melbourne next week.On the right hand side of the cutting, gives the newspaper and date and "Also 518 to Seattle" in ink.trams, tramways, sale of trams, tramcars, melbourne, mmtb, seattle

Reports on Federal and State Transport Ministers conference, the need to push public transport. Reports on the new Z class trams, extensions to Burwood Road and East Preston. Quotes Dudley Snell, MMTB Chairman, about fares, bus costs, income, and one man buses,use of barriers in Nicholson St, underground trams not useful. Written by Stephen Nisbet Transport Reporter.Yields information about the outlook and issues of trams and buses in Melbourne in the mid 1970s.Newspaper clipping - "A push to get the trams back on the track" - The Age 30-7-1976tramways, trams, melbourne, public transport, one man buses, extensions, east preston, burwood road, dudley snell, bus costs, underground tramways, z class trams

Article written by H H Bell, MMTB Chairman at the time of his retirement - Herald, 28 Sep 1949. Looks at his work on the HTT and the MMTB, achievements, workshops, manufacture of parts and equipment, work during the Second World War, clothing manufacture, Wattle Park and a clock funded by a lady who enjoyed the park. Includes a photo of SW6 883 and the Kew Horse tram. Yields information about Hector Bell MMTB ChairmanDigital image of a photocopy of a newspaper article titled 'The Story of my trams - H H Bell"h h bell, retirement, mmtb, wattle park, world war 2, tram 883

Photocopy of a newspaper clipping and photograph, from a Melbourne paper, November 1975? featuring a story about Joyce Barry being trained as a tram driver. Details the Union opposition. Notes Essendon and Preston still refusing despite Union members voting in favour. Quotes F Snell MMTB Chairman and Mr. Gordon Bell, Acting Secretary. Photo of Joyce in the cab of tram at Brunswick depot with Conductor Ali Mustapha looking in.trams, tramways, conductresses, tram driving, training, unions, brunswick depot

Newspaper Clipping - set of one clippings adhered to one side of a sheet of ruled quarto paper with punched holes on the left hand side - from The Herald newspaper reporting on an event that morning when tram 1025 was travelling along Plenty Road Preston without a driver. Has a photo of James Davison a motorist who spotted the situation and of James McCougan who along with the conductor stopped the tram just before Murray Road. Cutting undated - cApril / May 1969. a comment from the MMTB Chairman, Mr. Risson.trams, tramways, accidents, drivers, runaway, plenty rd, tram 1025

An audio recording by Mal Rowe at a dinner sponsored by the TMSV at the Wattle Park Chalet of Major General Sir Robert Risson, MMTB Chairman on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB). Covers many topics about Melboune's trams, international experiences, fares, loan council, new trams, tickets, reserved track, rates, roads. Recorded the day before a two-day strike by the SEC workers which meant the Melbourne's public transport could not operate. Jim Dowell was the TMSV Chairman at the time and Peter Duckett, a well-known enthusiast and operator of the Model Dockyard in Swanston St.Yields information from the MMTB Chairman's viewpoint on Melbourne's tramways.Set of 3 images and three audio files recorded on a reel to reel tape recorder.robert risson, 50th anniversary, mmtb, jim dowell, peter duckett, tmsv, speach

Legal document within a light brown manila document - titled "City of St Kilda / Re proposed construction of electric tramway Brighton Road", dated 8/4/1925 regarding the construction by the MMTB of an electric tramway from the then cable terminus in Brighton Road to Glenhuntly Road and the type of paving to be used. Has the seals of both organisations, signed by the MMTB Chairman and Acting Secretary and the Mayor of St Kilda, Councillor and Town Clerk. Agreement consists of three sheets, bound together with green tape. Only two pages used. Folder has file number "94" written on the outside.trams, tramways, mmtb, city of st kilda, brighton rd, construction, conversion, glenhuntly rd

Legal document within a light brown manila document - titled "C. L. Watt / Patent Rights of "Barrier Rail catch" Patent". Charles Watt a consulting engineer of 418 Bourke St, signing over the rights for a sum of 250 pounds. Patent No. 10473. Dated 22/3/1929. Has the seal of the MMTB and a personal seal and 2d duty stamp, signed by the MMTB Chairman and Acting Secretary and Charles Llewellyn Watt Agreement consists of two sheets, bound together with green tape. Only one page used. Folder has file number "94" written on the outside.trams, tramways, mmtb, tramcars, patents

Report or Paper - 10 foolscap sheets, stapled on left hand side titled "Linking the Horizons of City Public Passenger Transport". No details as who presented it or date. Possibly by MMTB Chairman Robert Risson as in his style. Latest date in the report is about wages - June 1958. Report looks at the history of Melbourne transport, the MMTB, passengers numbers, fares, congestion, trams buses, costs of buses vs trams. Also has notes on a comparison between the USA and Australia (Melbourne) including transport and restaurants. Quotes Arthur O'Connor former American Manager of the Australian Nation Travel Associationtrams, tramways, mmtb, melbourne, trams, public transport, costs, traffic control, road transport, buses

Black and white print of MMTB Bus No. 79. This was the second tourist bus, imported by MMTB Chairman Bell from Canada in 1939. It was built by the Canadian Car Co. Because of WW2, it was put into normal passenger service in July 1940 and had a mundane existence from that time onwards. It was sold to Melbourne Brighton Bus Lines however they never used it. Bus has the destination of Nicholson St. Appears is poor condition. Has other Mark III buses in the background. All have PTC Copyright Stamp on rear. Photo No. H63 See Reg Item 8345 for photos of it new.trams, tramways, buses, tourist bus, central bus garage, tram 79

MMTB Tourist Bus No 79, Leyland TS8 chassis with the Canadian Carriage company body. The first photo shows a light livery when it was new in 1939 and the second a darker livery, the late 1940s. The first photo shows some possible damage to the front bumper bar. This was the second MMTB tourist bus. Imported by MMTB Chairman Bell from Canada in 1939. The body was built by the Canadian Car Co. Because of WW2, it was put into normal passenger service in July 1940 and had a mundane existence from that time onwards. It was sold to Melbourne Brighton Bus Lines however they never used it. See Reg Item 5112 for a photo of the bus in poor condition. Yields information about the second MMTB Tourist Bus.Set of two black and white photographs of the MMTB Tourist Bus, No. 79.tramways, buses, mmtb, tourist bus, leyland, canadian carriage company

Article - "Melbourne cable and electric tramways" - with the subheading "First Substitution by Diesel Buses", with H H Bell, MMTB Chairman as the author. Describes the current system, cable tram operation, formation of the Board, Chairman Bell, Cameron, conversion, H H Bell's tour, closure of the cable system and operation by diesel buses, the new SW6 tram, Australian PCC cars, Diesel bus development, Fare Structure and notes the Board's payments to the fire brigade etc. Has photos of Y 469, Leyland cub buses, W5 736. Has adverts for Bell Punch ticket machines, Smith's clocks and Karrier trucks. There is a report from Thomas Tilling Ltd about their operation and annual reporting.Yields information about Melbourne tramways in 1939 and the background history.Magazine cutting from Modern Transport 25/2/1939 - pages 43 and 44trams, tramways, mmtb, cable trams, buses, bus replacement, h h bell., melbourne, y class, w5 class, tram 469, tram 736, leyland cub