The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 10 (March 21, 1927)

Revenue

Revenue

District Passenger. Parcels. Goods. Miscellaneous. Total increase or decrease.
£ £ £ £
Auckland -23,116 -449 34,499 1,316 12,250
Ohakune -10,541 -1,620 2,302 1,411 -8,448
Wanganui -19,949 -3,731 12,258 -2,976 -14,398
Wellington -55,846 -10,691 -42,148 6,565 -102,120
Total N.I.M.L.B. -109,452 -16,491 6,911 6,316 -112,716
Westport -373 -3 12,986 2,812 15,422
Christchurch -13,865 -8,546 30,827 -2,170 6,236
Dunedin -8,709 -3,704 2,241 -1,044 -11,206
Invercargill -353 -2,463 17,979 1,276 16,439
Total S.I.M.L.B. -22,927 -14,713 51,047 -1,938 11,469
Grand Total -132,752 -31,207 70,944 7,190 -85,825

Note: “Minus” sign indicates decrease. In all other cases the figures indicate the increase in number, quantity or amount.

The above statement is compiled from the weekly traffic returns, which are found most useful when forecasting the approximate revenue for the period, and tracing the weekly fluctuations in traffic.

In surveying these figures it must be borne in mind that Easter Monday 1926, was 5th April, and in 1925 the 13th April, so that the current year's passenger figures would be slightly affected on account of a portion of the advanced bookings being included in March period. However, the large decrease in the number of passengers carried, viz.: 1,273,270 is due almost entirely to motor bus competition in the suburban areas, and additional traffic last year through the visit of the American fleet, and the opening of the Exhibition at Dunedin.

Livestock shows a substantial increase due to forced sales of cattle on account of shortage of feed, and the movement of store sheep.

Timber has dropped 86,346 tons—almost every district showing a decrease. This is mainly attributable to heavy importations of poles for Power Boards last year and also to a general decline in the output from local mills.

Under the heading “Other Goods” there is shown an increase of 103,569 tons mainly in grain, fruit, dairy produce, wool, coal, benzine, and artificial manures.

Turning to the revenue, the decrease in passenger receipts is due to a general falling off in short distance bookings this year. The decrease in parcels revenue is explained by the fact that horses and motors are now booked through the goods.

The new tariff has assisted in producing the increase in goods revenue.

Published by the New Zealand Government Railways Department, and Printed by Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd., Lambton Quay, Wellington, March 21st. 1927.