Hon Rolleston Wellington

I wish to extend to the whole staff my best wishes for the festive season, 1926–27. It marks the passing of another historical year in the working of the New Zealand Railways, and records further proof of the splendid response and co-operation of the staff in accomplishing the reconstruction of the Dominion's largest industry. Much remains to be done to complete the task, and I earnestly seek a continuation of the whole-hearted loyalty and sympathy displayed by you all in achieving the results already obtained.

To secure efficiency in management, organisation and service is the aim and duty of us all. Without it, progress, from every point of view, is impossible. We must march with the times if the railways are going to maintain their position as the Dominion's leading transport system. Whilst the past year's operations can be taken as exceedingly gratifying, difficulties have yet to be overcome. Many improvements are indispensable to enable the system to deal efficiently with the service now demanded.

I desire to express my appreciation of the splendid services rendered, and to say that I have entire faith in the unswerving loyalty of the staff to ably complete the task that has been so well begun.

(Signed) J. G. Coates,

Prime Minister.