I have a bit difficulties to figure out, why the tram before had to make a sharp turn into Arsenal street. Johnston road was at the waterfront at that time. I always read from a sharp left turn and a sharp right turn into Arsenal street. How long on Arsenal street were the track leading. Perhaps someone has clear map to follow the former tram track please ,which leads with a sharp left turn into Arsenal street, and back into Johnston road again with a sharp right turn.?
I appreciate your kind explanation and remain with best regards, Thank you
Daniel
The Tramline
27th June 1904
It doesn't answer the question but I note the construction of the electric tramways on Arsenal Street from 27th June 1904 seemed to be the very last parts of the track rails to be laid down before the trams started operating in a few weeks' time. This might be a clue for further research to help answer the question.
“NOTICE.
IT IS HEREBY NOTIFIED that on and after MONDAY, the 27th instant, ARSENAL STREET will be CLOSED to WHEELED TRAFFIC, during the construction of the ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS in, and the improvement of the Southern end of that Street.
P.N.H. JONES,
Director of Public Works.
Public Works Department.
Hongkong, 24th June, 1904.”
Source: Hong Kong Daily Press, page 4, 27th June 1904 and The China Mail, page 1, 27th June 1904
Tramline on Arsenal Street
The 1904 tramline in most places was on or near the waterfront. The turn onto Arsenal Street was to avoid the Naval Yard and its extension which was in 1903 still under construction.