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The New Year

Swinging round the bend that carries us into the undiscovered country of the New Year, New Zealand finds itself on an easier grade and with a better head of steam than has been the case for some years past. Trade is definitely improving, many difficulties have been surmounted, and plans for overcoming others are well in hand. 1935 may not be a boom year, but it can safely be anticipated that it will be a more hopeful one for the people of the Dominion than many of its predecessors. The year just concluded has seen some railway improvements, not only in the services provided for the public, but also in the conditions of employment applying to railwaymen, particularly in the partial restoration of wage “cuts.” The records shew that improved net earnings during the current financial year to date have almost equalled the cost of this partial restoration.

A new feature has been the commencement of tourist ships by a leading shipping company carrying people from Australia for an overland tour of the North Island—an extension of this kind of travel to embrace both Islands may reasonably be anticipated in the New Year and would do much to increase the train travel tendency of the times.

It is recognised that the safety, comfort and economy of our express services in carrying people, with limited time at their disposal, between the principal ports and to the main tourist resorts, is a definite factor in the appeal which trips to New Zealand now makes amongst travel-minded people in overseas countries.

The New Year is thus bright with hope for an ever-increasing development of tourist traffic, a type of traffic particularly valuable in its bracing effect upon all travel services because of the demands it makes, and the opportunities it affords, for an ever-rising standard of service.

The presence of H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester will give New Zealand a right Royal start with the New Year, and the fortunate impetus of this most welcome visit gives the happiest augury for better times ahead.

The figures of receipts and sales circulation clearly indicate that this Magazine has steadily gained in favour with both readers and advertisers during 1934, and with 1935 upon us, can look forward with confidence to continued support and approval.

From time to time it is hoped to touch on every feature of railway service and every notable event, place and person associated with the history, the resources, or the development of the Dominion, and to continue to present these matters in their most readable form.

We have pleasure in extending thanks to everyone associated with the Magazine, whether as printers, publishers, contributors, distributors, advertisers or readers, and all good wishes for a bright and prosperous New Year.