Joseph Roberts (1858-1922)
Joseph Roberts (1858-1922)
1922 Obituary [1]
JOSEPH ROBERTS was born in Liverpool on 15th March 1858, and served his apprenticeship with H. Young and Co., Pimlico, studying at evening classes during the same period.
In 1884 he went to Australia, taking up a position as draughtsman with Forman and Co., engineers and shipbuilders, Yarra Bank, Melbourne. The cable tramway system of Melbourne being then under construction, Mr. Roberts became, in 1890, draughtsman and designer at the Company's works. Shortly after, he was appointed Assistant Manager, and finally Manager in 1898, which position he held until his death.
During this period he effected many improvements in the rolling-stock, etc., and to cope with the increasing number of passengers, he introduced bogie carriages, and was instrumental in using (in Australia) chilled cast-iron tramway car wheels, a large number of which have found favour in the various States of Australia.
His death took place on 8th March 1922, shortly before his sixty-fourth birthday.
He became an Associate Member of this Institution in 1903.