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Midland Tribune July 9th 1898

On Monday morning no small sensation was created in Tullamore by the appearance of Mr. Daniel E. William's new motorcar as it left his extensive wholesale spirit and grocery premises in Barrack Street on its way to Birr. Large numbers of people watched the progress of the interesting vehicle as it proceeded through the town with a large consignment of goods for the owner's branch establishment in Birr, and an escort of cyclists accompanied it for several miles on its maiden trip. As the motor left the town the speed was increased from four to eight miles an hour, and it appeared to run at the greatest ease, carrying a freight of about three tons. The country people along the route gazed at the novel spectacle in silent wonder, and for the first time seemed to appreciate the fact that the horseless age is destined to be no idle chimera. The car reached Birr without any hitch or accident, with the exception of a slight delay caused by the sinking of the wheels in part of the bog road near Thomastown, and arrived at Tullamore on the return journey shortly after 10 p.m. The motive power is supplied by a small oil engine, and the mechanical arrangement is of the dimplest description, a speed of ten miles an hour even with the full load being easily attainable. The vehicle was built at Cowes, Isle of Wight, and cost something like £600. Mr. Williams is to be congratulated on the commendable enterprise which impels him to carry out such a new and startling departure, and the people of the various towns to which his business extends have reason to be proud of a citizen whose liberal employment and well-directed efforts in promoting the general advancement confer such substantial benefits on the community.