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Railway Progress In New Zealand
general manager's Message
1940

The year upon which we are entering is of special significance to the Dominion, for 1940 is our Centennial Year, celebrating the completion of one hundred years of New Zealand's national existence under the British flag.

It is also a year of special importance to the Railways of the Dominion, for it will see the system more up-to-date and better able than ever before to provide that quality of service in which both clients and staff can find pleasure and satisfaction.

Many of us, nevertheless, realise that much yet remains to be done before we reach the stage of an almost flawless system. But that knowledge, coupled with a realisation of what has been accomplished in the way of progress during the past few years, only serves to encourage further efforts to achieve still better standards of service.

The year just ended saw some notable developments, of which three were of outstanding interest to the public and railwaymen alike. The first was the opening of the Napier-Wairoa railway and the introduction on that line, for the first time in New Zealand, of a complete passenger service by rail cars. The second was the commencement of regular standard rail car services, running on fast schedules, between New Plymouth and Wellington. And the third was the opening, in November, of the Railway Road Services new Passenger Station at Dunedin, the most modern and fully-equipped terminal for the handling of road passenger transport requirements yet seen in the Dominion.

These and many other works completed during the year, such as the enlargement of Wellington Station to meet the requirements of increased business, afford proof of the advancement of the Railways system as an efficient instrument of transport. Increased business, producing better financial results, affords the best indication that members of the public appreciate what is being done for them.

The Centennial Exhibition at Wellington has given the Department an opportunity to show, in miniature, a picture of some phases of Railway operations, and also to demonstrate certain of the newer features introduced upon the system, such as the largest type of locomotives, air conditioned carriages, 4-position swivel-seating, and the attractive sleeping compartment now being placed in service.

It seems clear that no other feature of the Exhibition attracts greater attention, and I believe the Railways exhibit will valuably increase public knowledge of the stage of development reached by their Railways in this, the Dominion's Centennial Year.

Particularly in the condition of permanent way and buildings, in the tractive capacity of locomotives, in the range and efficiency of other power units, and in the number and quality of passenger carriages and goods and livestock wagons, all supported by improved train services, the Department has never been better equipped.

The year 1940 must be a good railway year in the circumstances indicated. I believe it will be a record year for the Railways in all respects. And I am particularly pleased that our preparations in recent years have reached a major culmination just at a time when the Dominion's war effort is making heavy demands upon railway resources.

Existing conditions call for the best effort from all of us, and this includes care and economy in the use of stores and other material.

Although perhaps more than one can expect, at present, it is to be hoped that before 1940 draws to a close some satisfactory settlement may arrive which will terminate the present spreading European conflict, affecting as it does so profoundly the lives and prospects of us all.

General Manager.

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