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Railway Progress in New Zealand
General Manager's Message
Christmas Greetings

I am desired by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Railways, to convey, through this Message, to clients of the Department, to members of the Service and to other readers of the Magazine, his best wishes that all may enjoy a Happy Christmas and a Bright and Prosperous New Year.

It gives me much pleasure to associate myself with the Hon. Minister's greetings; and although, on this occasion, the clouds of war inevitably dim the outlook upon the season so appropriately associated for nearly two thousand years with the spirit of peace, I know they will only serve to strengthen the goodwill, understanding and mutual co-operation which have marked the functioning of our Railways during 1939.

Upon railwaymen at this season falls a heavy load of responsibility. Not only is there the additional Christmas and New Year holiday traffic to handle, but there is also the special work associated with New Zealand's war effort and with New Zealand's Centennial Exhibition and Celebrations.

From a long experience of our organisation, I know that the Railways staff always show to best advantage in time of stress. Hence I have every confidence that the quite exceptional volume of traffic which may be expected to develop during the summer months will be dealt with in such a manner as to give satisfaction to the Department's customers.

It can be truly said that never have the Department's tracks, rolling-stock and equipment been in better condition than at present. More powerful locomotives, more and better passenger carriages, improved and more plentiful wagons, all running on tracks where grade and curve improvements make for easier and more expeditious transport, and better facilities at stations for the accommodation and comfort of passengers and the handling of goods and livestock—these are among the many important developments of the past year.

The improvements mentioned will be available to help us through the peak months of exceptional traffic now anticipated. But the responsibilty is not lessened for the personnel of the Service to give of their best in making sure that travellers are relieved of anxiety and assisted in every way to spend the time they are in the Department's care as pleasurably as possible.

Thought for those travellers not so well able to look after themselves—the aged or ailing, and mothers with young children—will encourage special attention from the members of the Railway staff who, although themselves not able to make holiday during the Christmas season, will gain some pleasure in helping those entrusted to their care.

General Manager.

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