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The 1935 railways statement.
Some Typical Press Comments:

The striking improvement in the situation of the railways, which is reflected in a working profit of well over a million for the past year, redounds to the credit of all concerned in their administration.—Hawke's Bay Herald.

The annual report of the Railways Board is an entirely satisfactory account of its stewardship on behalf of this great national organisation. Enterprise and foresight have characterised the Board's operations since it took over control of the system, and the past year has seen the continuation of the steady rehabilitation of the largest single organisation in the Dominion. In brief, during the year every important section of the Railway Department's business showed an increase compared with the previous year. For the first time since 1931 the freight carried exceeded 6,000,000 tons, and the freight revenue was the highest since the same year. As 64 per cent. of the total revenue is derived from freight, the significance of these increases is clear. Substantial increases were also made in the passenger traffic, in the number of journeys, total revenue, passenger train miles and revenue per mile of line. These comparisons, however, are greatly enhanced when it is remembered that owing to the variation in the Easter holiday dates the previous year included two Easter periods and the year just concluded none at all. At the present rate of progress the passenger traffic should thus show a substantial increase for the coming year.—Taranaki Herald.

The year closed with a contribution of £1,087,191 by the Department towards its interest bill, a splendid result in view of the fact that an increase in salaries and wages was made with the partial restoration of the cuts effected when economies were instituted, and the reduction of rentals from workers’ dwellings had also to be borne. This was the second successive year that the Department was able to conclude its period with the net revenue more than one million pounds, and the report justly claims that the result has been achieved by the strictest supervision and direction over the diversified interests of the system, and by its constant and unremitting efforts to render prompt and efficient railway service to the public.—Manawatu Evening Standard.