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The Pseudo Tram

putmedown.jpg (44302 bytes)The tram crews of the Howth line were renowned for their courtesy and consideration, particularly where young children and old persons were concerned, and they refused to take fares in cases of hardship. There was one case reported, however, where the entire staff manhandled one of the customers. That story is as follows:-

In the mid 1930’s, Frank Flood, a ganger on the permanent way, lived near Somalie Village. Every Christmas Eve he held a party for the tram crews, after hours of course, and these became the subject of much gossip around the hill. The whole of Howth knew when Frank had a party because the general noise level of Howth Head itself increased and, of course, there was a fleet of trams outside the door, even, I am reliably informed, the works car No. 11.

On one such occasion, a forgotten late night tram arrived at the scene and was unable to continue on her way because the passing loop was blocked with trams. The motorman called Frank, who knew there wasn’t a man amongst the merrymakers fit to stand, never mind undertake the delicate task of shifting the ponderous machines without risk to life and limb, or worse still, damage to one of the trams.

He was desperate, and enquired how many passengers were aboard, and where they were going. There was only a handful, so Frank chose the wisest course of action and invited the contents of the blocked tram to join the festivities, promising that they would all be seen safely on their way after the party.

All were delighted with the kind offer save one rather solemn person on the upper deck who refused to budge and insisted that the journey be continued with all haste. Ardently Frank tried to persuade him to join in the fun, but the gentleman declined his offer and demanded to be brought home by tram. Frank tried to lure him into the realms of revelry with a glass of the very best his house could offer, but with no effect.

The tram crews discussed what to do and all felt that the gentleman in question, well-known to be troublesome, was being very unreasonable. Final pleas proved useless, At last, he was asked to leave the tram and see his own way home. After all, he lived just around the corner and it was a beautiful night. He would not budge and insisted on being brought home ”by tram” immediately.

The crews could take no more. They manhandled the gentleman off the tram, as he protested vehemently and threatened to report the matter to the highest authority. Whilst some carried him bodily down the tracks, others made clanking sounds in imitation of a tram.

He was deposited at his door and the crews clanked back to the party. His request was acceded to, in a manner of speaking, and the party continued undisturbed. No more was heard of the incident.

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