Revenue

The above statement is compiled from the weekly traffic returns, which are found most useful when forecasting the approximate revenue for the period, and tracing the weekly fluctuations in traffic.

In surveying the above figures it must be borne in mind that Easter Monday 1926, was 5th April, and in 1925 the 13th April, so that the current year's passenger figures would be slightly affected on account of a portion of the advanced bookings being included in March period. However, the large decease in the number of passengers carried viz.: 746,938 is due almost entirely to motor bus competition in the suburban areas, and additional traffic last year through the visit of the American fleet.

Livestock shows a substantial increase due to forced sales of cattle on account of shortage of feed, and the movement of store sheep.

Timber has dropped 52,602 tons—almost every district showing a decease. This is mainly attributable to heavy importations of poles for Power Boards last year and also to a general decline in the output from local mills.

Under the heading “Other Goods” there is shown an increase of 78,000 tons mainly in grain, fruit, dairy produce, wool, coal, benzine, and artificial manures.

Turning to the revenue, the decrease in passenger receipts is due to a general falling off in short distance bookings this year. The decrease in parcels revenue is explained by the fact that horses and motors are now booked through the goods.

The new tariff has assisted in producing the increase in goods revenue.

Published by the New Zealand Government Railways Department, and Printed by Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd., Lambton Quay, Wellington, October 24th, 1926.