Palmerston North Railway Returns

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7061, 21 January 1933, Page 3

Palmerston North Railway Returns

Revealing a marked increase in the number .of tickets issued as compared with the previous holiday season, and yet a decline in revenue, the returns of passenger traffic for tho Palmerston North' railway station from December 15 to January 15 inclusive, make interesting reading. There were 1154 more tickets sold, whilo the returns dropped £541. The acting-stationmaster, Air. G. T. Lawson, said he considered the figures quite satisfactory. Tho paradoxical position in regard to the fares and tickets was largely explained by the fact that this year week-end excursions to Wellington were inaugurated, to swell the issue of cheap tickets. There was also the fact that no Foxton races had been hold and two of tho usual picnics to Ashhurst and the Gorge had not taken place during the period under review. Another cause was the preponderance of shori-distance tickets over those for long journeys. The detailed returns show that 5125 ordinary tickets, earning a revenue of £1356, wero issued in comparison with 4809, earning £1220 last year—a satisfactory all-round increase. The single tickets issued comprised 496 first class and 1633 second class. The paradox appears in tho issue of excursion tickets. This year there were 6805 (comprising 432 first class returns and 6373 second class returns) producing £2943, as compared with only 5877 last year, which earned £3617.

Tho raco traffic returns aro also interesting. Tho Awapuni races were responsible for 1529 passengers, who paid £137, as compared with 1326 rvho paid £B7 last year. There is a decrease in tho Alnrion returns, however, there being 278 tickets to the valuo of £4B in comparison with 306 producing £62 last year. Although comparative figures were not available, it is considered that the Sunday trains have earned revenue which may be favourably compared with that of last year. There were 1342 tickets.sold, producing £284. The value of the newly-instituted week-end fares may be gauged from the fact that £9O was earned by 264 tickets.