XLV

D.—2

Information from Abeoad. During the Board's term of office several officers have been sent abroad to study the practices of other railway administrations in other parts of the world. Much valuable information has been acquired, and much good should result to the organization from the ability of these officers to compare proposals for improvements here with the practice adopted in older countries. The Unking-up of the New Zealand administration with the railway administrations of Australia in annual conference has provided much useful information on the practices and conditions of railway operation in the Australian States. In my opinion, the value of these conferences cannot be overstated, and .1 trust every endeavour will be made to continue our representation at such conferences. The principal major questions at present being dealt with by the Board are the completion of the various works included in the D.-2a programme. Electrification of Lines. A Committee is at present investigating and reporting on the economical aspect of electrifying the track between Wellington and Packakariki, and Wellington and Upper Hutt. On completion of this report it will be advisable for a similar report to be prepared on the electrification of the Auckland suburban district. With the completion of the underground deviation between Auckland and Morningside the question of electrification will become a live one. An electrified line enabling a shuttle service to be run, between, say, Henderson and Papakura would, I anticipate, be able to hold the great bulk of the suburban passenger traffic and prove remunerative. Garratt Engines. Three Garratt engines of a high tractive effort with a limited axle-load are on order for trial on the middle section of the Auckland -Wellington Railway. This class of engine has proved satisfactory in South Africa, and if results here are as good it is proposed to extend their use. Shunting-engines. A more powerful and more suitable shunting-engine than has been used in the past is at present under design. Bridge-strengthening. In the event of automatic couplers being installed and more powerful locomotives obtained, it will be advisable to push bridge-strengthening rather faster than at present. The most important line is the Auckland-Wellington, and, following that, the Marton - New Plymouth. On the former route a great deal of the strengthening is done. Dining-cars on Limited Expresses. Investigations are being made as to the advisability of providing dining-cars on the Limited expresses, to enable passengers to procure breakfast. Observation-cars. Improved types of carriages including observation or parlour cars are under design. Maintenance Workshops. A Committee is investigating the proposal to do away with maintenance shops and carry out all work at the locomotive shops. Budgetary Control oj Finances. From Ist April next a system of budgetary control in all branches will be introduced with the object of bringing the expenditure! and financial operations of the Department under closer supervision and control. Budget allowances approved by the Board will be issued to the various branches, and controlling officers will be required to keep the expenditure within the allowance. Coal-supplies. The use of New Zealand coals for locomotives purposes has been materially increased since the Board took office. The percentage figures of New Zealand coal purchased during the various years are as follows :— {IftT*!"f" Year ending 31st March, 1924 .. .. .. .. 15 Year ending 31st March, 1925 .. .. .. .. 23 Year ending 31st March, 1926 .. .. .. .. 23 Year ending 31st March, 1927 .. .. .. .. 4-9 Year ending 31st March, 1928 .. .. .. ..64 Trials of soft coals treated by low-distillation process have given good results, and negotiations are in progress to obtain supplies of this fuel.