Traffic Fluctuations.

The completed returns for the four weekly period which ended on 15th September show the substantial increase in railway operating revenue of #20,000 as compared with the corresponding period of last year. The principal items showing increases were:—season tickets #1,750; parcels, luggage and mails #800; goods #27,600 and miscellaneous revenue #1,300.

Owing to the growth of season ticket traffic, the number of passengers carried increased by 161,000 but there was a decrease in the revenue from “ordinary” passengers.

The number of cattle carried during the four weeks’ increased by 44 per cent., and calves by 240 per cent. Sheep on the other hand showed a small decrease.

Native timber traffic increased by 500 tons in the North Island and by 4,500 tons in the South Island.

Dairy produce showed a satisfactory improvement. This was particularly marked in cheese, preserved milk and casein. Butter increased only slightly.

The quantity of frozen meat handled was practically the same as last year, but the traffic in fresh meat increased by 80 per cent.

Grain and potatoes continued to show large increases, while fodder and agricultural seeds declined considerably.

Flax and flax fibre were much below last year's level.

The quantity of imported coal handled decreased by 8,000 tons. Native soft coals increased substantially, while native hard coal showed little fluctuation.

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Agricultural lime improved by 93 per cent. in the North Island and 36 per cent. in the South Island. Artificial manures were maintained at the same level in the North Island, and increased by 100 per cent. in the South Island.

With the exception of ships’ goods carried on port lines, general merchandise showed a substantial increase.