I Have recently noted some very effective work by individual members of the staff in all grades of the service in obtaining new business for the Department by the personal touch. This kind of enterprise, which gives the clearest possible indication that the members concerned are keenly alive to the Department's interests, is, needless to say, greatly appreciated by me, but it is, if possible, even more appreciated by the public who have benefited by this personal attention to their transport needs by foreseeing, thoughtful and attentive members of our staff. I would be glad to see a still further extension of this type of commercial activity amongst our railwaymen, and I am sure that any member who goes out of his way to help build up business for the railways will find a great deal of pleasure in the work, and will feel amply repaid by the valuable result which almost invariably follow such efforts. The public appreciate attention, and they are in the habit of obtaining it. If we do not give it, there is a big chance that someone else will. We are particularly well placed on account of the large number engaged in our industry to produce a big mass effect upon the people with whom we deal, and if we bring to them accurate knowledge, helpful suggestions and a keenly developed selling capacity, they will respond in a very marked degree to our appeals.

Improved Goods Traffic.

There has been a decided improvement in our goods traffic during the past twelve months, an increase of over 175,000 tons being shown in the total of goods and live stock carried. This has been partly due to special measures taken to deal with competition in certain areas, but I think it is to a still greater degree attributable to the personally addressed solicitations for business which we have made, and to the assistance we have given to traders in securing the best terms and means of transport for their commodities.

There yet remains, however, a considerable residue of business which should rightly be ours if the full facts of the position were properly and personally placed before the people concerned. To do this thoroughly, the assistance of all members of our staff is required, as opportunity offers, and I trust that, with such assistance and the following up of every opening for new business that presents itself, an even better record will be put up during the current financial year.

Visit Of British Footballers.

During the month the most important event from the passenger traffic standpoint has been the series of matches in which the visiting British footballers have been engaged. The traffic to date in connection with these contests has been of a most encouraging nature. Wherever special trains have been run the patronage has been well up to expectations. I anticipate that, with the further games to be played, public interest will become still more intensified, with corresponding increase in the volume of passenger traffic to be handled.

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