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Railway Progress In New Zealand
General Manager's Message.
The New Year

Every railwayman, particularly those with some years of service, will, I feel sure, experience a sense of satisfaction and pride in the progress made by the Department during the past year; and in making comparisons with the years that have gone before will realise that 1938 reaches a point of progress in the history of the Railways of the Dominion indicating the high-water mark of their achievement to date.

As we all know, the service has had its ups and downs in the seventy-five years since the first section was opened in 1863—periods of expansion and periods of contraction following largely the fluctuations occurring in the general field of the Dominion's economic development; but with a full knowledge of what has taken place in the past, I may fairly claim that there has been more change for the better in railway affairs during the past three years, of which 1938 provides a fitting climax, than in any equivalent period in the past; and this applies both to the range and quality of transport provided for the public by the Department, and to the conditions under which the employees of the Department work.

We enter upon 1939 with the knowledge that, as the result of the capital expenditure in recent years upon buildings, track improvements, rolling-stock, signalling, road services and other important phases of the Department's work, we have never been better equipped to meet the transport needs of the community—with a substantial portion of the rolling-stock programme still to complete. In these circumstances it rests with each railwayman to do his part, by taking advantage of the improvements effected, and to help in every possible way to popularise the service by the care, courtesy and attention he gives to the Department's customers.

At the same time I would ask members of the staff to exercise the greatest care in all matters relating to expenditure: to make the most economical use of the stores and other materials provided, and the best use of the existing facilities for the conduct of the Department's business.

I anticipate that 1939 will see a marked extension of air-conditioning on express trains, and, judging by the opinions expressed regarding the vehicles of this kind already in service, the new cars are very popular indeed. We may also feel confident of public appreciation regarding the latest type of seating now being introduced on principal trains. More rail-cars will also be running during 1939. These will be of the new Standard type which have already undergone extensive trials with outstanding success. All this means greatly increased satisfaction to passengers and is fortunately available in time for the Centennial Exhibition period which is to commence in November.

There has also been a great acceleration in the provision of more powerful locomotives and in the construction of new and improved rolling-stock for goods and livestock traffic.

Generally, the outlook for 1939 can be regarded as particularly bright from the railway operating viewpoint, and in the opportunities of service to the public which railwaymen will be afforded.

General Manager.