Further Improvements Justified.

All these special kinds of service, that add something to the transport facilities formerly provided, are proving particularly acceptable to the public. They might be regarded by some as the mere fringes of our business, but they nevertheless deserve special attention as being undoubtedly the kinds of additions to our ordinary services from which profit may be derived. Their success goes to show that in their introduction the public demand was accurately gauged, and it also indicates the general transport tendencies of the times. For this reason I look forward to the improvements which modern terminal facilities at our principal stations will enable us to provide for our clients; the completion of improvements in car rolling stock that will give opportunity for the employment of observation cars and coupé compartments; the introduction of light train units to improve local train services; and the extension of our refreshment services.

The general situation in regard to freight by rail is distinctly good, a steady and substantial increase being maintained. This indicates that our tariff charges are, in the main, favourable to shippers, and also that the public generally recognise the advantage of using the State system of transport.