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1907. NEW ZEALAND

RAILWAYS STATEMENT (1st July, 1907). BY THE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS. THE HON, WM. HALL-JONES

Mr. Speaker,— In presenting my first"Railways Statement I have the gratification of announcing that the buoyancy which has been the leading characteristic of the railway traffic for the past twelve years has again manifested itself in a remarkable degree during the fiscal year just ended. The operations from both the traffic and revenue point of view have therefore been highly satisfactory. The earnings, which exceeded the estimate by no less than £174,600, and last year's revenue by £274,896, are the highest yet attained in the history of the railways of the colony. The results may be summarised thus:— Year 1007 Year 1906 Total earnings .. .. .. .. .. 2,624,600 2.349,704 Total expenditure.. .. .. .. ..1,812,482 1,621,239 Net profit on working .. .. .. .. £812,118 £728,465 GENERAL The mileage of line open for traffic on the 31st March, 1907, was 2,456 miles, as against 2,406 miles for the previous year. The average miles operated during the year was 2,427. The following extensions were opened : — Omakau-Alexandra .. .. .. .. _ 17 68 Kohatu-Tadmor .. .. .. .. .. 10 28 Otarama - Broken Kiver .. .. .. .. 6 52 Ethelton-Domett .. .. .. .. 8 34 Hokitika-Ruatapu.. .. .. .. .. mt 6 65 50 7 The capital cost of lines open for traffic, including plant and steamers on Lake Wakatipu, has increased from £22,498,972 last year to £23,504,272 for the year under review. The net revenue, £812,118, is equal to a return of 3-45 per cent, on the capital invested in the open lines, and 319 per cent, on the total capital (£25,438,568) invested in open and unopened lines. The Kawakawa Section has again failed to pay actual working-expenses, the deficit being £392. The number of train-miles run during the year was 6,755,454, being an increase of 341,881 miles over the previous year. The increased mileage represents additional facilities to meet the requirements of the large business done during the year, and has cost £86,000. The permanent increase to the train-service represents 20,375 miles per annum. The following figures, which give the record of the late arrivals of the principal trains during the year, indicate that, notwithstanding the heavy passenger traffic carried in connection with the New Zealand International Exhibition, shows, races, holidays, and the unavoidable delays resulting from floods and accidents, the trains have maintained commendable punctuality. Average L.ite Arrival. _ ~ Mm. Mm. For long-distance passenger trams .. .. 1-39, against 0-87 last year. For suburban trains .. .. .. .. 0-34, 0-26 For long-distance mixed trains .. .. .. 1-63, ' 1-25

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