23

I.—6b

Any such radical departure from established methods should not be undertaken without the fullest information as to the probable result, and proof (of which there is a total absence in the evidence of the petitioner) that the earning-power of our railways should not be imperilled. I have, &c, T. Eonatne, General Manager. The Chairman, Railways Committee, House of Representatives.

Showing Increase between 1885 and 1901.

Showing Passenger Traffic increased by Three-fourths, and Goods Traffic doubled by Reduction of Passenger Fares and Goods Rates, as proposed by Mr. Vaile.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,425 copies), £14 18s.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ol.

Price 9d,]

i Passengers. Season Tickets. Pare Is, &c. Goods. Revenue. Expenses. 1885 1901 . 3,232,886 6,243,593 8,999 82,921 348,218 677,185 Tons. £ 1,778,140 1,045,712 3,461,330 1,727,236 £ 690,026 1,127,847 Increase 3,010,707 73,922 328,967 1,683,190 681,524 437,821

Passeng.rs. ! Reason ° ! Tickets. Parcels, <fcc. Goods. Revenue. Expenses. 1901 Three-fourths additional passenger traffic and double goods traffic 6,243,593 4,682,694 82,921 82,921 677,185 677,185 Tons. 3,461,330 3,461,330 1,727,236 £ 1,127,847 • 816,112 Total... 10,926,287 165,842 1,354,370 6,922,660 1,727,236 1,943,959 Losi £216,723.