Notice to Station Staff.

When trains have been delayed and are behind time, every effort should be made to reduce the time allotted for station work in order that trains may reach their destinations to time.

It is hoped the response of the staff will be reflected in an increased number of punctual arrivals being recorded in the Company's train services.

The making up of time on our own system is a purpose to which the staff in general pay particular attention and some good performance in this respect has been recorded.

Safety, however, is invariably the first consideration, and in this connection it is worth recalling that in a notice to the Locomotive Running staff issued in January of last year the Board of Management drew attention to the fact that the maximum authorised rates of speed shown in working timetables must not, in any circumstances, be exceeded. Lost time may be made up only provided the maximum authorised speed is not exceeded.

It is interesting to note that the average throughout speed of trains (inclusive of stops) in New Zealand last year was:—

Express.-Both Islands, 26.3 miles per hour. North Island, 25.6; South Island, 27.8.

Passenger.-Both Islands, 21.1 miles per hour. North Island, 21.1; South Island, 21.0.

Mixed.-Both Islands 14.5 miles per hour. North Island, 13.8; South Island, 16.3.

Goods.-Both Islands, 13.8 miles per hour. North Island, 13.4; South Island, 14.1.

Good train performance is indicated in the following record of time keeping on our system for the year ending 31st March, 1927:—

Average Late Arrival.-Express and Mail Trains, 5.94 mins.; Long Distance Mixed Trains, 6.12 mins.; Suburban Trains, 0.70 mins.