D.—2.

Traction. Otira. —Designs were completed during the year for the provision of a rectifier substation to replace the present steam-station. Tenders were called and orders for material placed. Renewal of the tunnel catenary and relocation of the positive feeder were continued and will be completed at an early date. Wellington-Johnsonville Suburban Line.—The electrified service commenced in July, and extensivo trials were carried out in testing the substations. The substations and the overhead equipment have since functioned without interruption to the services. The control room has been staffed during the hours of traffic for the remote control of the substations. WeUington-Paekakariki.—The duplication of the line between Plimmerton and Paekakariki has involved considerable alterations and additions to the overhead equipment and transmission lines. The erection of double-line overhead is in progress. Complete redesigning of the overhead catenary wire system was necessary on account of curve easements and alterations to the permanent-way. Investigation work in connection with electrification of the Rimutaka Tunnel Deviation, Hutt Valley, and Auckland suburban lines has also been undertaken during the year. Main Wobk shops. Systematic maintenance of the substations attached to the main workshops has been carried out during the year, and also the maintenance of the other electrical appliances, including motor generators motor alternators, rotary convertors, and switchgear. Additional lighting-points and motors have been wired by the workshops' electricians under permit, and this work has been inspected. The rearrangement of the foundry at the Hutt Workshops has involved a considerable amount of electrical reticulation, including the relocating of the electric steel furnace and core ovens. Power has also been provided for the new tinsmiths' shop, which included a new 11,000 volt substation, cable feeders, and local reticulation for lighting and power. General. On the Sawyers Bay - St. Leonards duplication a field workshop for the new tunnel works was provided with electrical supply. Lifts and cranes under the control of the Department have been regularly inspected and maintained. Improvements in the operating of the goods and passenger lifts at Auckland were also effected. Several electrically-driven water-pumping plants for water services were provided, and those already in use, together with the gas-pumping plants have been maintained. The electrically-driven machinery provided at the Wiri ballast pit was reticulated. The new Stores Shipper's building and bus garage at Wellington were connected to the Department's reticulation system and lighting and power connections provided. The electrical reticulation of the M.aroa Sawmill is in hand. Motor installations completed number 20. During the year electric lighting was installed in the stations and yards at Hikurangi, Iloteo, Mount Smart, Renown Siding, Matata, Westmere, Matamau, Hawarden, Michies Crossing, Clifton, Wayby, Wellsford, Rotowaro, Pukemiro, Porewa, Whakarongo, Waimangaroa Junction, Rangitata, Waikiwi, Awarua. Ninety-five houses were equipped with electric lighting. Statistics of electrical equipment are as follows : — Number of houses electrically lighted .. .. .. .. 2,998 Number of stations electrically lighted . . . . .. .. 409 Number of substations .. .. .. .. .. .. 23 Total capacity of substations .. .. .. .. .. 15,890 kVA. Number of station yards flood lighted .. . . . . .. 14 TRACK, PLANT, AND ROLLING-STOCK. The track, bridges, structures, signalling-appliances, rolling-stock, locomotives, and other plant are in good order and efficient for the work required of them. STAFF. The total number of staff employed at the 31st March, 1939, including those on works chargeable to capital, was 25,138, as compared with 22,963 for the previous year. The average number actually at work throughout the year was 24,342, compared with 21,954 the previous year. Of the average number of staff at work during the year 15,627 were permanent and 8,715 were casual employees. The average number of men engaged exclusively on works chargeable to capital was 2,419, as compared with 1,816 during the previous year. During the year 269 members of the permanent staff resigned, 185 retired on superannuation, 56 died, and 66 were dismissed or paid off. Employees to the number of 1,697 were engaged for employment on the permanent staff. Seventy-nine members of the Second Division were promoted to the First Division.

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