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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 4 (August 1, 1928)

Suggestions and Inventions. — Commendations:

Suggestions and Inventions.
Commendations:

Brothers, C. E. H., Guard, Rotorua.—Suggestion re sorting of loose letters in van letterboxes.

Burgess, B., Casual Labourer, East Town.—Suggested improved funnel for boiler No. 238 at East Town Maintenance Shops.

McArthur, E. D., Cadet, Lambton.—Suggestion that fire extinguisher caps be lubricated periodically to ensure easy removal.

O'Hara, W. K. M., Draftsman, D.E.O., Auckland.—Suggestion re steel moulds for the construction of platform fronts.

Payne, A. W., Leading Machinist, Penrose, and Furness, E., Carpenter, Penrose.—Joint suggestion re method of manufacturing hardwood fishplates.

Parrant, A. L., Casual Fitter, Petone.—Suggestion re draw-gear between engine and tender.

Williams, W., Blacksmith, Greymouth.—Suggested improved marlin spike for splicing wire ropes.

Commendation and Monetary Award.

Maloney, J. W., Porter, Ngahere.—Suggestion re train services, Greymouth-Ngahere-Blackball. Commended and awarded bonus of £2.

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The figures for the current year, covering a period of 112 days as against 114 days last year, disclose a decrease in revenue of £31,195. After allowing for the extra two days in last year's figures, the increased mileage now open for traffic and the revenue derived from bus services not operated last year, the position as regards total earnings is approximately the same as obtained this time last year.

Goods traffic has shown considerable improvement during the past two months. Passenger traffic by train is affected by the Department's operation of additional road services. The increase of nearly half a million in passengers is mainly due to bus traffic, the number of “ordinary” train tickets showing a decline.

Season and Bearer tickets show an increase due probably to the movement of population to the suburbs in the four main centres. Ninety per cent. of the increase in Season Tickets is in Workers’-weekly and twelve-trip issues. The revenue return from these is low, amounting to only 2 1/2d. and 3 1/2d. per journey, respectively.

Live stock, timber and goods traffic show substantial increases in almost every district, the notable exception being the Northern portion of the North Island. Timber production has fallen off considerably in this district, due in part to the timber areas having been cut out at certain mills, and to the decline in the demand for house construction. General merchandise (notwithstanding an increase of 13,000 tons in imported phosphates) shows a decline—increased motor competition this year and the abnormal dairy production last year being the contributing factors.

Published by the New Zealand Government Railways Department, and Printed by Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd., Lambton Quay, Wellington, August 1st, 1928.

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