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Railway Progress in New Zealand
General manager's message
The Work Ahead.

It is very pleasing to the Board and myself, as I am sure it is to the public and the Railway staff generally, to find that the daily effort in every part of the Railway system to make the service as pleasing as possible to the public is showing results in increased passenger and goods traffic.

But railwaymen everywhere know that in the natural progress of transport much work lies ahead for the Department, and many new features are destined to become part of the existing system.

The Wellington new station forms the nucleus of these coming developments, for with it are associated the assembly of the whole headquarters' organisation under one roof, with much improved facilities for the transaction of business and for prompt co-ordinated action to meet emergencies or to deal with new conditions.

The new station will also see the introduction of electrification to North Island lines and on a greater scale than anywhere previously in New Zealand. From this and the rail car services which will by then be operating on certain routes, much additional suburban and long distance traffic may be anticipated; whilst the special facilities provided at the new station for the comfort and convenience of the travellers, its proximity to city and wharves and the close co-ordination with other transport services which it ensures, may be expected to give a strong stimulus to general passenger traffic by rail.

Every effort is being made to improve the working conditions of Railway employees and the provision of such desirable amenities as hot water services, and electric lighting where possible, in Railway houses will be welcomed.

Track improvements, by grade and curve easements, by level crossing elimination, and in other ways, are amongst the works ahead which will ensure additional employment and improve travel and operating conditions upon the Railways.

Altogether it may be concluded that, whilst much remains to be done in the way of general transport co-ordination, the Railways are pursuing a well defined policy of service and development which calls for the best that each member is capable of, and promises well for the future stability and expansion of the National Transport System.

General Manager.

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