In taking over the position of General Manager of Railways, I do so with every confidence in the future of the service. The transport position has been considerably clarified in New Zealand during the last few months, and promises opportunities for further co-ordination of effort, in which the Railways, as the backbone of the Dominion transport system, must play a major part.

Having been directly associated with railwaymen all over the Dominion during my whole service with the Department, I know that they will stand loyally and solidly behind me in all efforts to carry out the spirit of the policy laid down by the Board, and that the public will receive from us the best service of which the members are individually capable.