CO129-263 - Acting Governor Barker Governor Sir Robinson - 1894 [5-8] — Page 111

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"weakest part" I think it will be self-evident that the strain applied to the upper end was excessive, and that the strain applied to the lower end was too little to be of any value as a test of its stability, more so as it does not appear that any data were recorded for that purpose.

I therefore venture to suggest, that in future, the tests should be made as follows, viz.: The strain to be applied to the cable to be the weight of the cable 4 tons, passenger 1/2 ton, ballast 5½ tons, total 10 tons was not used, it is 14 tons. The ballast to be placed in the passenger car if practicable and the coal truck omitted, and each end of the cable to be subjected to the same strain of 14 tons.

This strain would then be three times more than the ordinary working load, and which I think could not be considered too excessive a strain on the cable whilst being tested.

Before applying the test, two brass or iron ferrules should be securely fixed, one on each end of the cable, by solder or other means, and no attempt whatever should be made to alter or remove their position on the cable without the knowledge and permission in writing of the Director of Public Works. The ferrules having been securely fixed, the cable should then be drawn tightly over guide pulleys, and the exact position of the two ferrules marked permanently on the iron rails of the tramway.