Historical information

In 1858 a tramway was constructed to move goods between Warrnambool township and jetty on Lady Bay which was over a mile away The terminus was established on the southern side of Merri Street. and the track went around the edge of Lake Pertobe reserve. Large stores were also built near where the present railway station is situated to hold produce and carriages. According to these documents , the horses were required for many different tasks in the operation of the tramways including the moving of freight, removal of sand from the area, shunting of trucks and ballasting and repairing lines when necessary.The contractors had a list of conditions imposed including the provision of six horses of strong working ability and sufficient finances. The contract period was for 1 year and payment was monthly in arrears and hours of operation were from 7 am to 6 pm.

Significance

These handwritten documents provide an insight into the type of work done in the early days of Warrnambool and the working conditions at the time.

Physical description

Five folded grey paper with red lines around edges. Written in black ink. Only front page of each piece has writing on it.

Inscriptions & markings

001262.1 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Specification of Duties Contractor for Horse Work Signed William Bell 28/09/1881
001262.2 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Conditions of contract for Horse Work. Signed Daniel Gallagher 20/09/1881
001262.3 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Specification of Duties Contractor for Horse Work Signed Daniel Gallagher 20/09/1881.
001262.4 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Specification of Duties Contractor for Horse Work Signed Michl Daly 5th September 1878 crossed out
001262.5 Borough of Warrnambool Tramway Department Conditions of contract for Horse Work Signed William Bell 28/09/1881