HISTORICAL NOTES

First Automobile in St. Vincent

“The new motor car recently imported by the Honourable C.J Simmons has been successfully tried. The car has ascended Sion Hill with comparative ease, thereby solving a problem that was supposed to be insurmountable. Mr. Simmons is to be congratulated as being the first gentleman to import an automobile.” (The Times, December 11, 1913){{more}}

Motoring to Georgetown

“The Honourable C.J Simmons motored to Georgetown and back on Wednesday, according to many country residents their first view of a motor car. The journey to Georgetown was performed in 69 minutes, the return trip taking 2 minutes more, by no means a bad performance taking into account the condition of the roads. After the roads are put in good order, possibly in a few months, a trip to Georgetown will be performed comfortably within the hour.” ( The Times, January 1, 1914)

The Sion Hill Road

“Indications are not lacking that Richmond Hill is destined to become one of the beauty spots of the colony, and Mr. Murray when he sanctioned the style of road to be constructed had in mind the fact that the residents of Kingstown regard Richmond Hill in very much the same light as do the Parisian his boulevards and parks.

Richmond Hill is without doubt the ‘Mecca’ of Adults and youths alike after a day’s existence in the City and already the new highway (on Sunday afternoons in particular) is patronised by a large and appreciative company.” (The Times, February 12, 1914)