H—3s

representing the interests of other related operating companies in which the Government is interested. The following statistics demonstrate the progress achieved during the year under review :

Statistics

New routes introduced were — Auckland - Norfolk Island - Fiji-Tonga-Samoa - Cook Islands (Aitutaki and Karotonga). Auckland-Su va-Labasa. Frequencies were increased on many routes. Operating revenue and expenditure— £ Passenger revenue .. .. .. .. .. 581,387 Mail and freight revenue .. .. .. .. 59,863 Miscellaneous income.... .. .. .. .. 41,425 682 ,'675 Operating expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 664,918 Surplus .. .. .. .. .. .. 17,757 Interest on capital advances from New Zealand Government .. 14,331 Net surplus .. .. .. .. .. .. £3,426 In conclusion, I must record tlie Board's appreciation of the loyal and unsparing efforts of the management and staff. It can be said that a year of considerable progress has been completed in the face of a number of problems unforeseen at the outset of the period. The staff of every division has measured up to these problems in a manner indicative of their determination and good will, which in no small measure has ensured and maintained the progress of the Corporation throughout 1947-48. Leonard Isitt, Chairman. Wellington, 31st August, 1948.

4

Year Ended 31st Year Ended 31st Increase. March, 1947. March, 194,8. Route mileage— Per Cent. Per Cent. New Zealand internal 1,918 2,201 14-75 \ 289-67 Pacific regional 5,273 J Daily scheduled mileage— New Zealand internal 7,044 11,509 63-38 \ 74-07 Pacific regional 753 / Mileage flown— New Zealand internal 1,407,583 3,116,124 121-38 \ 131-13 Pacific regional 133,046 / Passengers carried— New Zealand internal 81,340 150,040 84-46 \ 86-71 Pacific regional 1,831 / Freight and mail (lb.) — New Zealand internal 965,265 1,809,118 87-42 \ 90-37 Pacific regional 28,463 / Passenger miles— New Zealand internal 14,764,385 33,808,603 128-98 \ 139-14 Pacific regional 1,499,509 / Average passenger journey (miles) — New Zealand internal 179 225 Pacific regional 819