Francis Bird provided the money necessary to expand Mason’s operation. Without which the tramway would never have been built.

On 5th Jan 1871 Mason and Bird put forward a proposal, to build an iron railway from the hills to Fremantle - at their own expense of 40 000 dollars. With compensation of 103 680 ha for 30 years.

There proposal was eventually rejected, as substantial work would have to been carried out at Freo docks and the Government of the day need approval from the UK. Which they did not receive and subsequently this marked a turning point in Mason and Bird’s fortunes.

In 1877 Francis withdraw from Mason & bird and was declared bankrupt on 20th March 1883.

See Ben Mason for more detail.