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The development of good-will among the public and team-work among the staff is felt to be the best way to make the Department render the fullest measure of service to the community, and the issue of a magazine such as we have decided upon is, in my opinion, one of the best methods for achieving the purpose. Members of all grades have been invited to forward contributions, and have thereby been afforded an opportunity to show tlieir grasp of problems coming within the range of their practical experience, while contributions from persons outside the Department will be particularly welcomed. I have already received much evidence that the establishment of the magazine has been appreciated by our staff and customers, and I confidently look forward in the coming year to a considerable extension of its influence for good in both our internal and external relationships. DERAILMENT OF THE WELLINGTON-NAPIER EXPRESS NEAR OPAPA STATION, 22nd SEPTEMBER, 1925. The regrettable accident which occurred near Opapa Station on the 22nd September, 1925, was the subject of a Board of Inquiry conducted by Mr. W. G. Riddel], S.M. (Chairman), and Messrs. J. Marchbanks, M.T.C.E., and W. D. Hunt. After a thorough and exhaustive investigation the Commission report, inter alia, as follows : "We find that the derailment of the Wellington-Napier express train on the Opapa bank on 22nd September, 1925, was due to excessive speed, and that this was the result of the engine-driver failing to take precautions to reduce speed when approaching the curves near which the derailment took place, in accordance with the regulations which are issued to engine-drivers and others." And " We also find that the presence of a third person on the engine, and the taking of liquor on to the engine by that during the journey, were factors which helped to bring about the derailment." It is therefore satisfactory to note that in so far as the Department itself is concerned no blame attaches. The Board of Inquiry made a number of suggestions which have already been adopted or are under action. The report of the Commission is appended to this Statement. PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW WORKS, 1924. The present position with regard to works commenced under the above programme is as follows : — Auckland-Westfield Duplication. This work is in charge of the Public Works Department, and good progress is being made. The embankment across Judge's Bay is completed, and the embankments across Orakei Basin and Hobson's Bay are being pushed ahead from both ends. Special equipment is being used to facilitate the dumping of spoil on the mud-flats where the unstable nature of the ground makes the work difficult. The work on the 27 chains of double-track tunnel is well in hand, and enlargement to full section will be commenced shortly. Auckland New Station and Yard. This work is in charge of the Railway Department, and marked progress has been made since last report. The embankment and formation work for the new passenger tracks and platforms have been completed, and a considerable portion of the sidings laid. The work of remodelling the engine-depot to suit the new yard layout is well in hand. The building of the abutments and piers of the Campbell Point overbridge have entailed the sinking of deep foundations, but the work will be completed early and the superstructure pushed on with so that the permanent siding approaches to the new station may be laid beneath the bridge.

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