CITY TRANSPORT

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 171, 15 April 1932, Page 11

CITY TRANSPORT

Credit on Trams, £269 BUS DEFICIT, £9953 Electricity Surplus For some months past statements made by the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, as to the economic working of the City Corporation’s transport services have been somewhat pessimistic. On one occasion last year, when the increase on the universal concession ticket was made, the Mayor said that the deficit might be In the neighbourhood of £20,000. It is therefore cheering to learn from the annual figures submitted to the City Council last evening that, though there is a deficit, it is less than half the sum anticipated by the Mayor—viz., £9684. Actually the tramways show a credit balance of £269, but the buses a deficit of £9953, leaving a net deficit of £9684. Tramway Manager’s Report. The tramways manager, Mr. M. Cable, reported to the council: — “I submit herewith returns of tramway revenue and expenditure for the year ended March 31, 1932. “Tramways.—The revenue shows a decrease of £57,522 and the working expenses a decrease of £50,316. After meeting all capital charges there is a credit balance of £269. “Buses.—The revenue decreased by £2961 and the working expenses by £4318. After providing for a 15 per cent, depreciation on the original cost of the buses, there is a debit balance of £9953, which is an improvement to the extent of £2980 on the previous year. “Trams and Buses Combined.—The combined result of tram and bus op-, eration shows that the total revenue is down by £60,483 and the total expenditure by £54,287. The net result is a deficit of £9684 as compared with a deficit of £3488 in the previous year.” Comparative Figures. The figures of the tramways for the past year (with a comparison with

Mayor Pleased. In referring to the figures, the Mayor said that the credit balance had been brought about by a decrease in the working expenses, which were £50,316 lower. The combined result of the operation of both trams and buses was a deficit of £9684. Personally he would like to congratulate the council on the comparatively small loss shown by the figures—£9ooo odd in a year of very great depression. It was interesting to note the fall in the number of passengers, which amounted to nearly 6,000,000. When one considered the enormous decrease in passengers carried, the small loss shown was a credit to the management A little time ago they had an anxious time, and it was thought that the tramways undertaking would show a loss of £20.000, so that a loss of a little over £9OOO was satisfactory. The whole position had been met by the arrangements and work done by the management, and all the men in the employ of the department. One and all had realised that the soundness of the undertaking depended upon their individual efforts, and he congratulated the management and rank and file right through. Whilst the year had been one of extraordinary difficulty, the undertaking was thoroughly sound, as the figures and the reference in ' the Commission’s report showed, said the Mayor. That report very definitely said that the highest credit was due to all concerned. Electricity Department. Referring to the finances of the electricity department, the Mayor said the whole position was thoroughly sound. The net surplus was £36,020, and the results reflected the highest credit On those in charge of the administration of the department. Seconding the adoption of the report, Councillor W. Appleton paid a tribute to the executive officers and men of the department. The tramwaymen, he said, were as line a body of men as any in New Zealand. Their efficiency and courtesy, especially to women and elderly people, were widely recognised and deserving of appreciation. Referring to the financial proposals outlined by the Mayor, Councillor Appleton said it was as well for . the public to recognise that the council could not continue to take advantage of the healthy condition of the depreciation and accident funds, or, in the future, the position would be difficult. It was only because of wise management in the past that, this year, the council was able thus to adjust the position. Bus Services Councillor 11. A. Huggins said the reports raised the question as to what the council was going to do about the buses. Thextramway finances should not have to carry such a heavy burden, and relief would involve curtailment. The Mayor pointed out that during the past year the tramways did not have the full benefit of the wages reductions, or the introduction of the increased universal fare. It was anticipated that, in the coming year, the effect of these would place the finances in a satisfactory condition. The reports were adopted.

those for 1930-31) are as follow: — Tramway revenue 1931-32 e 379,240 1930-31 £ 436,762 Working expenses and miscellaneous charges Tramway capital charges 278,936 100,035 329,252 98,065 Total expenditure and charges 378,971 269 427,317 9,445 Credit balance £879,240 £436,762 Bus Figures, The bus figures for 1931-32 1930-31 are shown as follow:— : and Bue revenue ' 1031-32 £ 13,953 18,466 5,440 1030-31 £ 16,914 22,784 7,003 Working expenses Depreciation of buses .. Total expenditure and. cbarcreH 29,847 12,938 Debit balance on hue operation 9,953 £13,958 £16,914 Tramway and Bns. Tramway and bus figures combined show as follow:— 1931-32 1030-31 £ & Tram and bus revenue 393,193 453,678 Working expenses and miscellaneous charges Tramway capital charges Depreciation of buses . 297,402 100,035 ‘ 5,440 352,036 98,065 7,063 Total expenditure and charges 402,877 9,684 457,164 3.488 Net deficit on tram and bus operations combined £393,193 £ 453,670