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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

RAILWAYS STATEMENT. (17th August, 1900). BY THE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS, THE HON. J. G. WARD.

Mr. Speaker,— In presenting this, my first annual Eailways Statement, I have great pleasure in announcing that, notwithstanding the fact that for several years past we have become accustomed to phenomenal increases in our railway business, the year 1899-1900 has proved to be the record year for the New Zealand railways ; the business carried on and the revenue received not only having exceeded that of any previous year, but the increased receipts of the past year over the immediately preceding year have exceeded all former increases. It is my earnest desire to so administer this great undertaking that the people of New Zealand will derive the greatest amount of assistance therefrom in developing the resources of the country, and that the convenience, education, and relaxation of our fellow-colonists may be provided for in the best possible manner. In dealing with the transactions of the year, I shall, in accordance with previous usage, subdivide my remarks as follows: First, general summary of results during the year, under the heading of " G-eneral " ; second, " Earnings " ; third, " Working-expenses " ; fourth, " Expenditure for Additions to Open Lines and Boiling - stock charged to Capital Account"; fifth, "Midland Eailway (Eesults of Working) " ; sixth, " Concluding Eemarks, and Forecast." 1. GENEEAL. The number of miles now open for traffic is 2,104, as against 2,090 last year. The revenue for 1899-1900 has been ... ... ... ... £1,623,891 1898-1899 ... ... ... ... 1,469,665 An increase of ... ... ... ... £154,226 Increase 1898-1899 over 1897-1898 ... ... ... ... £98,657 1897-1898 „ 1896-1897 ... ... ... ... 89,850 1896-1897 „ 1895-1896 ... ... ... ... 103,117 1895-1896 „ 1894-1895 ... ... ... ... 32,190 A total increase for the past five years of ~. £473,040 The working-expenses for 1899-1900 have been ... ... ... £1,052,358 1898-1899 ... ... ... ... 929,738 An increased ... ... ... ... £122,620 The excess of revenue over working-expenses for 1899-1900 has been £571,533 1898-1899 ... 539,928 Giving an increased net return of ... ... £31,605

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