Some Interesting Figures.

Some idea of the magnitude of the Refreshment Branch operations may be ascertained from a perusal of the following

“Winged time glides on insensibly.“
(Photo, courtesy J. Roseman.)
Old time railway drivers at Auckland.

statistics, which relate to the financial year ended on 31st March, 1932—a particularly light year, due to the economic stringencies prevailing:—

In addition to the foregoing, there were large sales of fresh fruit, aerated waters, orange juice and other drinks, and miscellaneous items of edibles.

In so far as the accounts of the Branch are concerned, the double entry system of book-keeping is in operation, and the staff performs the whole of the work connected therewith—the accounts, of course, being subject to reconciliation with the control-ledger, which is kept by the Chief Accountant.

The control of the Branch is vested in the Controller (Mr. F. Lindsay), who has associated with him a Chief Clerk (Mr. W. Elsom), and office staff of twelve. Two Supervisors, one located at Auckland (Mr. P. Box) and the other at Christchurch (Mr. P. H. Stevenson), are responsible in the first instance for the supervision of the refreshment rooms and other activities within their respective districts. The average number of casual staff (rooms managers, waitresses in charge, chefs, cooks, waitresses, saloon operators, bookstall assistants, depotmen and attendants) employed during the year 1931–32 was 265.