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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 7 (December 1, 1930)

General Manager's Message — Readjustment

page 6

General Manager's Message
Readjustment.

The accumulating evidence of general decline in prices the world over and the lessened trade and partial slump conditions in many formerly thriving industries, have had an inevitable reaction on transport business to which the railways have been no exception. We have had to shorten sail to meet the high wind of adversity and weather the storm. This has entailed readjustments in every branch of the Service and has demanded, from all, patience and fortitude in the difficult task of reducing expenditure in conformity with the demands of a lessened and less resilient traffic. This task is now on the way to accomplishment, the latest figures indicating that our total expenditure during the last four-weekly period has been decreased by no less than £80,000.

Unfortunately, there has also been a decrease in our revenue, though for the period mentioned this decrease was £20,000 less than the decrease in expenditure. From a purely operating point of view this is undoubtedly a very creditable performance, but from the point of view of general financial results it is disappointing. An examination of the incidence of the decrease in revenue shows that it can only be ascribed to the prevailing depression which has resulted in a shrinkage of trade. For the results of such conditions we, as a transport concern, can no more be held responsible than, say, the Customs Department can be held responsible for a shrinkage in customs revenue due to the same cause. Nevertheless, it behoves all concerned to be active to reduce to a minimum, the effects on our business of such circumstances as I have mentioned.

Improving the Position.

To improve our position there should be no slackening in the check upon expenditure by those in a position to control it, and a concentrated effort by personal solicitation supported by judicious advertising to secure a larger share of the transport business along the routes which we serve.

There is an increasing willingness observable amongst all sections of the community to recognise the national importance of using the railways wherever possible in preference to competitive road transporters, many of whom end up in financial collapse, but who, during the period of their operation, drain the Department of vital revenue.

The case for railway patronage is especially strong where special concessions are granted. These concessions are based on the general benefit which they bring to the community. From this point of view everybody has an interest in bringing about the results for which the concessions are designed, and bearing in mind that the ability of the Governmental finance to maintain these concessions has a limit and that the position is vitally affected by the condition of the railway finances, I appeal to the public to take the long view in this matter when considering the question of placing their transport business.

Opening of Auckland Station.

The Auckland Station was opened during last month and I desire to express my great satisfaction with the work done by all ranks of the staff in connection page 7 with the changeover. The fact that we were able to accomplish the work practically without a hitch stands very much to the credit of all concerned. I greatly appreciate the high standard of organisation that was displayed as well as the energy and faithfulness with which the work was carried out.

The appointments at the new station are of the most modern design and I believe will be appreciated both by the public and the staff as enabling us to give the former a still higher standard of service and the latter pleasanter and more convenient working conditions.

The Season's Greetings.

The Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Railways, has expressed a desire that I should convey on his behalf, through the medium of the Magazine, the Season's greetings to all connected with the Railways either clients or employees of the Department, and to express his best wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In these seasonal greetings my Executive Officers and I heartily join.

General Manager.

New Zealand's Finest Railway Station. (Rly. Publicity Photo.) View of the new Auckland Station building, shewing high and low level street approaches, and train leaving for Newmarket by the old route. The station was officially opened on 24th November, 1930, by the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Railways.

New Zealand's Finest Railway Station.
(Rly. Publicity Photo.)
View of the new Auckland Station building, shewing high and low level street approaches, and train leaving for Newmarket by the old route. The station was officially opened on 24th November, 1930, by the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Railways.

page break
In the Cause of Humanity. Her Excellency, Lady Bledisloe, examining at Government House, Wellington, the first sheet of Christmas Seal Stamps issued this year in aid of the campaign to raise funds to establish holiday camps for New Zealand children suffering from chest complaints. The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, under whose patronage the campaign is being conducted, is shewn on the left in the picture.

In the Cause of Humanity.
Her Excellency, Lady Bledisloe, examining at Government House, Wellington, the first sheet of Christmas Seal Stamps issued this year in aid of the campaign to raise funds to establish holiday camps for New Zealand children suffering from chest complaints. The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, under whose patronage the campaign is being conducted, is shewn on the left in the picture.

page break
Official Opening Of Auckland's New Station. (Rly. Publicity photos.) The illustrations shew (top) : the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Railways, addressing the assembled guests in the Main Lobby of the Station. (Below): Guests listening to the Ministerial address.

Official Opening Of Auckland's New Station.
(Rly. Publicity photos.)
The illustrations shew (top) : the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Railways, addressing the assembled guests in the Main Lobby of the Station. (Below): Guests listening to the Ministerial address.