THE OTAGO CENTRAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 2488, 5 July 1909, Page 5

THE OTAGO CENTRAL.

REVENUE STEADILY INCREASING. No need to interfere with the present Service. The announcement made recently that the Auckland - Drury and Oamaru-Kurow lines were to come within the dominion of the Ministerial scheme for curtailing nonpaying services caused a representative of the ‘ Evening Star ’ last Thursday to ask a question with regard to the prospects of the Otago Central. The reply of the Hon. Mr Millar was reassuring. He said that a return, only received that day from the head office at Wellington, showed an increase of something like 16 per cent interest on the cost of construction for the year ended March 31st last, compared with the 1908 corresponding period, and there was, therefore, no necessity at present to interfere with the number of trains running or the time-table. The Minister agreed to the suggestion that the departmental return should be published. It is as follows OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY. Financial Results of Working. The following figures show the financial results of working the Otago Central Railway : Year ended Year ended 31st March, 3lst March, 1908 1909. £ £ Cost of construction to date ... 1,279,359 1,354,108 Approximate revenue 40,223 42,523 Working expenses;... 36,378 37,743 Net earnings ... 3,845 4,780 Interest per cent on cest of construction 6/• 7/1 Percentage of working expenses to earnings ... 90.41 88.76 Particulars of Receipts— 1903. 1909. Passengers and coaching 13,955 15,376 Goods 26,268 27,156 £40,223 £42,523