 The company was founded by Sir Robert Gillespie Reid of Scotland, a businessman who had interests in the development of the pulp and paper industry and mining industry.The company was also the owner and operator of the coastal boat service, known as the Alphabet Fleet, the telegraph line and the electrical service in St. John's.The company had its beginnings in 1890 when the Newfoundland Government under William Whiteway wanted to build a railway line from Whitbourne to Halls Bay at .