doing well,” as the [gap — reason: illegible]somewhat bashfully entered the bed-room to make the acquaintance of his newest and nearest relation, and when the nurse placed the baby in his arms, he keekit shyly, but fondly at the wee thing's chuffy face, and stood holding it gingerly and looking as though he was afraid it would break in two and fall with a bang on the floor. Nathless, when the “howdie” (Scots for midwife) left the room for a moment, Jock unco cautiously laid the bonniest bairn in all the world in its mother's arms, and, after a hurried glance round, kissed his wife (a concession from a Scotsman), but his he'rt was lippin' fu' and his tongue owre blate to articulate the thoughts that welled-up within him. The return of the nurse brought Jock back to earth and turning to his wife he said:—

The above statement is compiled from the weekly traffic returns, which are found most useful when forecasting the approximate revenue for the period, and tracing the weekly fluctuations in traffic.

In surveying these figures it must be borne in mind that Easter Monday 1926, was 5th April, and in 1925 the 13th April, so that the current year's passenger figures would be slightly affected on account of a portion of the advanced bookings being included in March period. However, the large decease in the number of passengers carried, viz.: 855,636 is due almost entirely to motor bus competition in the suburban areas, and additional traffic last year through the visit of the American fleet.

Livestock shows a substantial increase due to forced sales of cattle on account of shortage of feed, and the movement of store sheep.

Revenue

In all other cases the figures indicate the quantity or amount.

Timber has dropped 55,348 tons—almost every district showing a decease. This is mainly attributable to heavy importations of poles for Power Boards last year and also to a general decline in the output from local mills.

Under the heading “Other Goods” there is shown an increase of 116,738 tons mainly in grain, fruit, dairy produce, wool, coal, benzine, and artificial manures.

Turning to the revenue, the decrease in passenger receipts is due to a general falling off in short distance bookings this year. The decrease in parcels revenue is explained by the fact that horses and motors are now booked through the goods.

The new tariff has assisted in producing the increase in goods revenue.

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