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Like most other New Zealand cities, Gisborne can qualify by having tramlines in her main streets, but no longer any trams. But Gisborne has one unique claim among New Zealand cities. For Gisborne had the only trams which were run on batteries. Here is one of them, decorated and surrounded by town dignitaries on the occasion of its first trip. In front of the door is Mr Geo. Wildish, a Mayor of Gisborne. Others in picture include Mr East (grocer), Mr Hamilton Irvine, Mr R. C. Piesse and Mr H. M. Porter. (Picture from Miss C. E. Trowell).

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Shortly to disappear in favour of a new concrete structure is the Roebuck Road bridge. This picture shows the old bridge in its heyday. Massive structure at left was to raise a section to allow boats to pass. Since it was easier for the boats to dip their funnels, the contraption was never used—another expensive mistake which, like the trams, added to the town's early–day costs without conferring much benefit on the citizens. (Picture from Mrs B. Sutton, 580 Aberdeen Road.)