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Traction. Christchurch-Lyttelton. —The electrified section between Christchurch and Lyttelton lias continued free from any serious trouble. As a result of the change in field coils of the rotaries at Woolston Substation, a saving in the annual power bill of approximately £1,500 has been effected. Otira Electrification. —There has been no failures of the overhead at Otira during the year, and the system has continued to function satisfactorily. The overhead girders at Otira have been painted and the equipment generally is in excellent order. Wellington-Paekakariki. —During the year a commencement was made with the work of electrifying the line between Wellington and Paekakariki. Poles, bare cable, armoured cable, and insulators have been delivered, and the erection of traction poles between Paekakariki and Tawa Plat has been completed. Tenders for a large quantity of equipment have been received and orders for most of this have been placed. It is expected that with the delivery of the necessary equipment during the coming year rapid progress will be made. Electrical Reticulation. During the year a number of motor installations were completed at various workshops and locomotive depots. At the close of the year a total of 2,226 dwellings and 336 railway-stations were electrically lighted and 17 station-yards equipped with flood lighting. CONCLUSION. The Board is pleased again to record its appreciation of the good work that has been done by the staff during the year. It desires also to express its thanks to the press and the public for much helpful advice and criticism. The track, bridges, structures, signalling appliances, rolling-stock, and other plant are in good order and in every way efficient for the work required of them in carrying on the business of the Department. In witness thereof the official seal of the Government Railways Board was hereto [l.s.] affixed by resolution of the Board in the presence of — H. H. Sterling, Chairman Edward Newman " , XT „ Government Railways James 11. Gunson > nj J> Members Boar(L Geo. W. Reid Daniel Reese J J

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