Concerning Contractors, Works etc

We are pleased to see in connection with the new electric tramway the power station is rapidly progressing. The contractors have now possession of the large amount of cement required. All hands are working overtime including Sundays, to hasten the completion of the contract. The following particulars will convey some idea of the materials required for the foundation of this building alone. The concreted portion is 3 feet deep, in which are embedded crosswise to each other railway metals at intervals to ensure its thorough binding; and above all this, still for foundation purposes, is 6 feet of solid brickwork. This has required 50 tons of cement, making in all 200 tons of concrete.

We understand that in connection with the up-to-date tubular boiler for the engines a steel smoke shaft will be erected, which will be upwards of 100 feet in height.

As we stated in our last, the nominal rating of the engine is 160 horse-power, but the diameter of the fly-wheel is 10 feet, not 8 feet, as reported in a previous number.

The posts suspending the wires for overhead contact are approximately 100 feet apart, and at present about 160 have been erected. They are 25 feet high, and are supported at their base by 6 feet of concrete.

The rails are what is known as the flat bottom pattern, are 30 feet in length, and at the loops and sidings are fitted with automatic switches, actuated by springs, to keep the points in the safety position.

The cars command the admiration of all visitors to the Island, both for smartness of appearance and finish. The body of the cars is enamelled red, with a lining of gold, the underpart has a cream-coloured ground, on which are seen the words in gilt lettering “Venice-on-Sea and Canvey.”

Also, in order to hasten the completion of the work, the contractors have placed upon the track a locomotive of corresponding gauge. This is used to convey trucks containing materials, which are drawn from the pier, where they are being unloaded from barges lying alongside.

Unique, indeed, for Canvey. after generations of primitive quiet, now to witness this instrument of civilization, whistling, puffing, and dashing over fields, which erstwhile have been the domain of partridge, rabbit and lark. Scared and bewildered thereby are bird and beast, but lost in contemplative study and thoughtful reflection is the more intelligent observer—man.