auckland city had a private company operating horse-drawn trams from 1884. the auckland electric tram company's system was officially opened on 17 november 1902, but public service was delayed because three of the motormen, from sydney, australia, had been drowned in the ss elingamite shipwreck near three kings islands on 9 november 1902. public service commenced on 23 november 1902 and continued to 29 december 1956.