THE RAILWAYS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19690, 6 August 1929, Page 5

THE RAILWAYS.

AN IMPROVEMENT IN FINANCES. GENERAL MANAGER'S ADDRESS. [THE PRESS Special Serrice.j AUCKLAND, August 5. ''The knowledge that the working expenses of the Department are being reduced is very gratifying to us, and it must be to all,'' said Mr H. H. Sterling, General Manager of Railways, at the Railway OSicers' Institute reunion. "A review of the position as far as last year's working is concerned gives every reason for satisfaction,'' Mr Sterling continued. "Considered on the same basis as the previous year there was an improvement in the position last year to the extent of some £BO,OOO. from the figures in the 'Gazette' the position does not look quite so happy, but there are some factors to be taken into consideration over which we have no control. The two lines on which work has been discontinued have proved a substantial loss, but eliminating these we are about k SO,OOO to the good. Taking into consideration the £43,000 more than the previous year which has been put aside for depreciation and repairs, we are really £120,000 better off." In taking these results as a test of their work as members of the Department, Mr Sterling made one reservation. It might be a reflection of the Government, and perhaps of their work indirectly, but it was not the final test of the success they had achieved, as there were so many elements beyond their control. The final test lay in the measure of public satisfaction. When a certain policy was defined it was their duty to carry it out and their duty to the public to do so at the lowest possible cost. "I have the temerity to believe that in the past year we have made some advance," he said. "It is after coming into contact with those most competent to express an opinion that I dare to make a statement of advance." After emphasising the importance of economy, Mr Sterling spoke of organisation, upon the harmonious functioning of which depended efficiency. When they heard of reorganisation they were not to think that it meant only Ministerial change. It ended with the last man under him. It affected even the country stationmaster with perhaps one man under him, for it was for him to lay the foundation of economy and efficiency upon which the management could build.