Port Elizabeth of Yore: How Trams and Cabs Operated in the Late 1800s

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

Much like the current tensions between Uber and the Metered Taxis embroiling the taxi industry, likewise there was a similar tense relationship in 1873 between the various modes of transport and operators with shysters and hucksters prevalent. In this era the antagonists were the horse-drawn trams, officially known as omnibuses, and hackney carriages.

To regulate the operations of the various modes of transport, the Municipality drafted a set of Regulations and gazetted them on the 29th July 1873.  

Main picture: Cabs in front of the obelisk

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Rations, Rules and other Regulations aboard the Settler Ships

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

As would be expected, meals were provided to all Settlers on their passage to the Cape Colony. The items comprising the meals were set out in detail in the Dietary Tables of the Algoa Bay Emigration Ships. 

Not only did these requirements specify the composition of the meals but also the bedding and the sleeping arrangements regarding unmarried women. Included are also the unofficial but quaint methods of food provisioning. Moreover, certain Party leaders would impose their own versions of control.

Main picture: Model of the Weymouth

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