BUSY RAILWAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 14

BUSY RAILWAYS

CENTENNIAL YEAR HEAVY TRAFFIC EXPECTED ORGANISATION IN ADVANCE EXPANSION OF FACILITIES "There is great activity at present in. every branch of the railways in preparation for the Centennial year traffic," said the Minister of Railways, the Hon. 1). G. Sullivan, who arrived from the South yesterday.

"The department lias to prepare for traffic of quite abnormal proportions between-November and next April," he continued. "With knowledge of the marked iucreaso in railway traffic arising from the exhibition held in Dunedin in 1925-26, and bearing in mind that the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition will be 011 a much greater scale, commensurate increases in passenger and other traffic associated with the exhibition"may be expected. Then there is transport to be provided for local celebrations in tho various centres where these are being arranged,, as well as the natural increase of business which has been a feature of railway development in recent years." New Oars and Engines The Minister stated that new cars, railcars and locomotives, steam and electric, were being built at the department's workshops in New Zealand. Additional units had also been ordered overseas.

Permanent way improvements included duplication of certain tracks, principally in the Auckland, Palnierston North and Wellington areas, Mr. Sullivan added. There were also grade and curve easements, bridge and track renewals, elimination of level crossings, more and longer sidings and crossing loops, and improved signalling apparatus.

Electrification Scheme Work on the electrification of the line between Wellington and Paekakariki was proceeding apace. The Wellington station was being enlarged to provide, among other things, additional refreshment-room facilities and increased office, storage and luggageroom space. "I believe that the department's preparations will all bo completed in good time to handle satisfactorily all the traffic which either its rail or road services may bo called \ipon to transport during the Dominion's Centennial year celebrations," Mr. Sullivan concluded. AUCKLAND REVENUE HIGH FIGURE REACHED ONE THIRD OF TOTAL FIGURES FOR PAST YEAR Over 30 per cent of the gross railway revenue for the year ended on March 31 was earned in the Auckland district, according to a statement made by the Minister of Railways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, yesterday.

"Auckland district revenue for-1938-39 exceeded the district's figures for the previous year by £216,312," said Mr. Sullivan. "It is significant of the prosperity of the Auckland district that every source of railway revenue for the past year showed an increase on the receipts for the preceding year. "Goods and parcels revenue increased by over £185,000 and passenger revenue advanced by more than £31,000," he added. "The outward goods revenue from Auckland city reached a record figure of £516,515, an increase of £55,192."