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Mr. John Thomson, formerly Manager of the New Brighton Tramway Company, Limited, was born in 1863 at Upper Riccarton, where he was educated and brought up to farming pursuits. He was for four years driver of the Riccarton coach, and on the occasion of the first tram being driven to New Brighton, in 1886, he was in charge as driver. Two years later Mr. Thomson was promoted to be traffic manager, and held the position till 1895, when he was entrusted with the management of the company. He was zealous and painstaking, and was the first to introduce the system of driving four horses in tram cars. He initiated the system of sixpenny return fares which has proved a great boon to families and others seeking a day's outing at the seaside. Mr. Thomson was married in 1885 to a daughter of Mr. J. Lister, of Balcairn, and had one daughter. He died on the 13th of July, 1902.