George Ernest James

Born in South Africa, George worked for the Wellington City Council Tramways Department from his arrival in New Zealand, in 1904.

On 1 April 1906 he was officially appointed to the role of Traffic Superintendent, a role he had been acting in for some time (although references in Papers Past often refer to him as the 'traffic manager', his official title was Traffic Superintendent).

In 1911 as a result of a staff restructure applied and was appointed to the newly formed role of Traffic Manager. This role was created to manage the operational side of the tramways, something the Traffic Superintendent had struggled to focus on along with all the other duties required. As the Mayor commented when this change was discussed, ".. the present tramway superintendent, though absolutely an earnest, honest, and conscientious man, has found the huge concern beyond his powers."

How long George held the Tramways Manager role has not been fully researched; however at the time of his death he was Acting Traffic Manager. He was also involved in the formation of the Tramway Band, serving as Secretary in 1905.

He died on 12 June 1924, after a period of illness, and was survived by his wife and daughter.