Re: Public Perception of Trams

[Dave McL <davemcl@AXE*THISiprolink.co.nz>]

Ian Jelf wrote:
> 
> In article <7pt96l$nde$1@mirv.unsw.edu.au>, Geoff Lambert
> <G.Lambert@unsw.edu.au> writes
> >"Ron BESDANSKY (formerly Ron BEST)" <ronbest@bigpond.com> wrote:
> >
> >>Those old enough may remember the first "round-the-world" live television
> >>show using the then new-fangled communications satellites. It happened in
> >>about October, 1967, and had a segment from each of the participating
> >>countries, depicting a typical activity occurring at the time. The
> >>Australian segment showed a car running out of South Melbourne tram depot
> >>(it was about 5 a.m. Melbourne time when the show was broadcast).

> >Quickly now, what group was seen recording what song for the 1st time
> >on this broadcast?
 
> The Sekeers?   "The Carnival is Over"?


No, it was the Beatles. Eleanor Rigby, IIRC. Or Lady Madonna. 

The broadcast was June 26 1967 and the tram featured was W5 774 -- the
only one retained in later years in original form, ie square drivers'
windows, no sliding doors. I think it is part of the PTC historic
collection at Hawthorn.

The Melbourne segment showed 774 running out of the depot, with
conductress Irene Stepien pulling down the off-side canvas blinds
(remember those?) to keep out the rain.

Hell, I was just a small kid at the time, but it seems like...
Yesterday...

David McLoughlin
Auckland New Zealand