THE N.Z. RAILWAYS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 87, 3 April 1914, Page 5

THE N.Z. RAILWAYS.

DEPUTATION TO THE MANAGER.

[Per Press Association.] Palmerston N., April 2

A.deputation representing the Borough Council and the Chamber of Commerce waited on Mr Hiley, General Manager of Railways, this afternoon, in regard to local improvements at the railway station. The question of the insufficient supply of trucks was introduced. Mr Hiley stated that lie recognised the difficulty, and the Department was doing all it could to meet the demand; also that more engine power was required, and he was preparing a report for the Minister on the question. The matter of anomalies in freights was also discussed. Mr Hiley stated that a revision of tariffs had recently been made in Australia and the Old Country, which tended towards increases. He assured the deputation that any revision in the Dominion would be in the nature of levelling up,and not levelling down. The Department had to meet increased expenditure in material for the construction of trucks, etc. The Department was experimenting with a system of warnings for level crossings, and if satisfactory these would be installed at the most dangerous crossings in the Dominion. The system was an expensive one, so he could not promise which crossings would be attended to first.

FEBRUARY WORKING ACCOUNT.

Wellington, April 2,

The railway working accounts for the four weeks ended February 28 show a total revenue of £375,995, made" up of £209,999 from the North Island and £166,086 from the South Island, compared with a total of £325,271 for the corresponding period last year. The expenditure in February totalled £226,575, in the North Island £125,221, and in the South £101,354; as compared with' a total of £234,129 in February, 1913. The total revenue to date at February 28 was £3,659,617, and expenditure £2,632,337, or 71.93. The total revenue in the preceding similar period was £3,609,543, and the expenditure £2.481.780, or 68.76.