RAILWAY RETURNS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2006, 4 August 1892, Page 10

RAILWAY RETURNS.

Wellington, July 28.

The railway returns for the four weeks ending June 25 are as follows (shillings and pence omitted :—

For the 12 weeks of the present financial year for which the returns are complete there is a material increase in passengers, produce, and merchandise — giving an increase of L 20,000 in the net revenue for the 12 weeks, as against the corresponding 12 weeks of 1891. The actual increases- in traffic were as follows, the figures representing tons : — Wool, 2458 ; firewood, 2458 ; timber, 3908 ; grain, 43,630 ; merchandise, 11,359 ; and minerals, 4055. In chaff alone there was a decrease, and that was to the extent of 200 tons — thus leaving a net increase for the 12 weeks of 67,024 tons.

A deputation consisting of Messrs Fisher, Duthie, Hogg, Shera, and Dr Newman, M.H.R's.,and Major Sommerville waited on the Hon. Mr Seddon, Defence Minister, on Friday last with reference to New Zealand Rifle Association matters. The Minister promised that if the association became a corporate body and appointed trustees with right of succession he would favourably consider an application for assistance in. erecting a building for mess purposes, and. generally getting the permanent range at Trentham in proper order. Major Sommerville said he had no objection to this whatever, and a bill will be a<j once prepared and introduced into the House forming the Rifle Association as a corporate body.

Revenue. Expenditure. Kawakawa ... £ 166 £ 114 Whangarei ... 245 155 Auckland ... 8,313 6,084 Napier-Taranaki 13,170 9,124 Wellington ... 4,971 4,333 Hurunui-Bluff ... 50,887 34,384 3reymouth ... 1,976 1,41S Westport ... 2.1&S 1,140 S T elson G57 652 Picton 485 885 Percentage. 84-90 6772 67-95 60-43 70 3S 55-08 71-04 n-i-ss 84 37 98-32 Grand totals... £83,062 £58,274 58-91