D—2

XIX

Signal and Electrical. Signals, and Interlocking of Points and Signals. During the past year seventeen stations have lieen fitted with fixed semaphore signals, viz. : — Belfast, Burnham, Otira, Glenavy, McNab Junction, Hiversdale, Hinds, St. Andrew's, Morveu, Makikihi, Papanui, Winchester, Temuka, I'oodwood, Southbrook, Dunsandel. Windsor, The signalling and interlocking at stations has worked with satisfactory results. The following stations have been fully equipped with signalling and interlocking, and brought into operation during the year : Kaiwarra (temporary scheme), Ngaio, I'arnell Tunnel, Ngaurukehu. Tawa Flat. Marton, Paekakariki, Sockbuin, Templeton, [slington, Ngahauranga ; Addington and Hornby, complete schemes for double line working ; Kensington and Cattle-yards, temporary scheme : Auckland and Rolleston, rearranged lor double line working : Dunedin. alterations at south end for engine-shed roads; Perham and Larsen's eiding, Rangataua interlocked with the tablet system. The work has been commenced at Frankton Junction, Blackball, and Caveisham. The expenditure for the year on new works was £16, 11>2 Bs. 9d., and for maintenance £4.883 17s. 7d. Block Working. The electric train-tablet system of block working has worked with every satisfaction. During the year 52 tablet instruments and 103 miles of line have been fitted and brought into operation, embracing the following sections : Woodvilleto Waipukurau, Pukeuri to Washdyke, Granity to Stockton. The following have also been installed as tablet stations : Ngaurukehu, Birchfield, and Bushy Ballast-pit. The equipment of the sections Gore to Invercargill and Ngahere to Blackball is in progress. Automatic tablet-exchanging apparatus has been installed at forty additional stations, and is giving every satisfaction. The installation of the electric lock and block system for double-line working has been completed and brought into operation between Lower Hutt and Kaiwana, and the work is in hand on the double lines between Christchurch-Rolleston and Christchurch Beathcote. Telegraph «m/ T</<-/>li<)n, Facilities, <in<l Electric Lighting. During the year 2U7 miles of wire and 157 miles of poles have been erected and brought into use; also various alterations and additions have been made to improve existing lines. Sixty-four telephones have been fixed and brought into operation ; 13 additional and 6 extension connections and 3 extension bells have been made with the public telephone exchanges : and 1 portable telephone and 7 electric bells brought into use. A number of old-pattern telephones have been replaced by new and modern ones. Greater facilities are still needed in some of the districts to suit the more pressing requirements. The electric light at stations where installed is giving every satisfaction. During the year electric light has been installed at Thorndon and Norman by Stations and Cattleyards Station, and signals. The expenditure on the electric block working, telegraph and telephone facilities, and electric lighting for the year was, — a b. <). New work .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18,033 14 9 Maintenance.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11,226 11 5 Public telephone-exchange connections .. .. .. .. 0 Lines maintained by Post and Telegraph Departmeni .. .. 3,348 18 0 Traffic. Mr. H. Buxton, Chief Traffic Manager, reports as follows :— Kawakaua Section. Revenue, £2,932 ; increase, £942. There were increases in all classes of traffic, except coal. The export of coal from the local mine has now ceased. Flax and timber traffic has improved. The revenue was materially assisted by the construction-work in progress. Whangarei Section. Revenue, £28,386 ; decrease, £2,100. The bulk of the decrease was in log-timber traffic. There was also a slight decrease in the output of coal. Passenger revenue was slightly less than for the previous year, when there were local attractions which were not again provided.

iv—D. 2.