A correspondent writes: While passing along the quays from the Alexandra Basin to the Custom House the other day I was moved to reflect on the changes which have taken place in the transport of heavy goods during the past twenty years. Before 1909 virtually all heavy traffic was carried by horse; then the four-ton motor lorry gradually made its appearance. These were, to a certain extent, displaced during the war period by the steam wagon and trailer, which was capable of carrying a ten-ton load. Until a couple of years ago these vehicles were the most economical and efficient on the road, owing to the high price of petrol. Now the steam wagon, in turn, is giving place to a variety of highly efficient petrol vehicles, of which the tractor and trailer seem to be the most important. There are many tractors in Dublin, and, though they seem unwieldy, it is remarkable how easily they can thread their way through traffic, and turn in quite narrow places. We appear to be close to the end of the Steam Age; the steam wagon and, in due course, the steam engine seem destined to go the way of all ironmongery.
The Irish Times, August 13th, 1929.