Anticipations.

In goods traffic we expect to have a very busy time during the next two months, and I would appeal to the users of railway waggons for further co-operation in discharging loads. Up to the date of our latest complete returns, the total tonnage of 5,302,999 conveyed during the current financial year exceeds that of last year by 220,813 tons, or by 4.34 per cent. Whilst we are doing our best to have the total waggon carrying capacity increased to a point justified by the expansion of goods traffic, it is felt that further effective action in the forward ordering and prompt release of vehicles is possible, and can be introduced with greater advantage to the despatch of business. I would make this appeal to all users of trucks to actively co-operate with us in this direction to their own benefit and ours.

We may expect during 1930 a larger proportion of passengers drawn from overseas, both as individual tourists and in groups of formally arranged parties. Among the first of the latter will be the important Empire Farmers’ party, which arrives next month, and has a comprehensive membership drawn from Great Britain, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

A heavier business may also be anticipated in special excursion traffic.

Altogether, 1930 may be looked forward to with confidence in the general preparedness of the Department both as to the will to serve and the means to handle efficiently all the traffic available.

General Manager.

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