INCREASE EXPECTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 123, 27 May 1930, Page 7

INCREASE EXPECTED.

TRANSPORT RECEIPTS. CURRENT YEAR'S ESTIMATES. EXPENDITURE HEAVIER. In submitting the estimates of income and expenditure for the current year, Mr. A. E. Ford, manager of the Auckland Transport Board, set out in his annual statement to the board this afternoon details showing that receipts £8777 in excess of those obtained last year were anticipated. The actual receipts last year were £078,624 from all sources. On the expenditure side, it was estimated that the total would be £657,148, as against £609,167 last year, so that a credit balance of £2296 was in prospect. Mr. Ford said the traffic receipts had been estimated on the existing sections, and on those of the extensions which would come into operation during the current year. The receipts, as estimated, were based on'the present scale of fares and running conditions and on careful estimates of car and bus miles to be run. Effect of Private Cars. The combined mileage was estimated at 6,987,229, and the traffic receipts therefrom were estimated at £076,221. Of the total mileage, 854,848 were bus miles. Gross advertising receipts, sale of scrap and also sundry receipts were put down at £11,180, making the total receipts £687,401. In addition to the general depression it was to be remarked that the number of private motor cars was greater than the number registered twelve months ago. Private cars had a very serious effect, on transport revenue, since they all, more or 'less, carried prospective tram passengers. On the expenditure side, said Mr. Ford, the needs of every department had been given detailed consideration. Every attention had been given to the necessity of full economy, without undue sacrifice of efficiency. The 105 buses purchased in terms of the Motor Omnibus Traffic Act, 1926, were completely written off by depreciation as at March 31, 1930, and there were now only 30 English buses for which depreciation had still to be provided.

Power a Big Item. It was estimated that power would cost £80.048, as against £75,594 last year. Running expenses were set down at £293,699, including provision for all normal and special traffic needs, and also for wages, uniforms, benzine and other stores. Distribution, including the renewal of five miles of trolley wire, was placed at £10,050. as against £8864 last year. Repairs and maintenance of cars, buses and equipment was placed at £65,582, as compared with £72,243 in 1929-30. The cost of the permanent way, including provision for certain renewals, reconditioning, repairs to tracks and paving, was estimated at £30,240, a slight increase on the amount spent last year. • Buildings, it ■ was estimated, would cost only £1200, including maintenance of depots, garages and offices. Last year £1113 was spent under that head. Ad-' vertising was placed at £2950, against £3038 last year. Administration - and general was set down at£26,osS; an increase of nearly £3000. The increase was accounted for by an additional £1300 for bank charges, as a large sum had to be placed in London at sixmonthly intervals, and at present the exchange . rate on such transfers was very heavy. The sum of £1500 was provided for a staff endowment fund, .and £800 for offices expenses and travelling expenses. On other items there were, reductions totalling £600. Interest on loans was placed at £110.169', as against £98,026 last year. The sum of £46,527 was allowed in respect of sinking fund and £2000 for loan flotation expenses. For depreciation of buses £711.0 was allowed, in respect of the original fleet of English buses, at the rate of 12J per cent. Accident provision was estimated at £6485, track renewals suspense account £2871, omnibus purchase suspense account £1559 and alterations to offices £600, being the second annual writing off to extinguish in five years the cost of providing a board room and traffic and revenue staff accommodation. Effect of Increased Fares. Mr. E. H. Potter wanted to know what revenue had been gained by the board owing to the 25 per cent increase in concession cards. Mr. Allum: lam sure the officers will do their best to give you the figures. It will only be approximate. Mr. Potter: It should not be difficult. Mr. Allum: We will get the approximate amount. The estimates will be fully discussed at another meeting.