D.—2.

Emergency equipment in considerable quantities lias been made available during the course of the year, and with the addition of mobile fire-fighting trains, which are about to be placed in service and located at strategic points, the Department is well organized to meet any emergent conditions which might arise as a result of offensive action by the enemy. As at 31st March, 1942, the number of employees serving with the armed forces totalled 5 935. It is a matter of profound regret that seventy-nine members of the Department's staff have sacrificed their lives whilst serving with the armed forces during the present war. Since its inception, the National Patriotic Fund has benefited to the extent of £14,152 by way of voluntary subscriptions deducted from the pay of railway employees. In addition, the Department's staff have deposited m fortnightly instalments the sum of £26,342 in National Savings Accounts. TRACK, PLANT, AND ROLLING STOCK. The track bridges, structures, signalling-appliances, rolling-stock, locomotives, and other plant are m good order and efficient for the work required of them. STAFF. OQ Lo Verage nun , lber ° f persons in the Department throughout the year ended 31st March 1942 was 23,352, compared with an average of 24,502 for the previous year. ' The average number of men engaged exclusively on works chargeable to capital was 1,149, compared with 2,237 during the previous The total number of staff employed at the 31st March, 1942, including those on works chameablp to capital, was 22,252. This figure does not include 5,935 employees who as at 31st March 1942 were serving with the armed forces. March, 1942, o J* 6 total number of employees as at the end of the previous financial year was 23,971 (excluding 3,280 men serving with the armed forces). ' *"• witl tle —**>*■ .88 dSutt IZ Sit™ .id offi -« "** 206 "*•* " «, Employees to the number of 1,312 were engaged for employment on the permanent staff ne hundred andthree members of the Second Division were promoted to the First Division the wJ? °1 ; i 7® •' f WorW Compensation Act during the year to members of the Service who suffered injury in the course of their employment. CONCLUSION. .J. des jf *9 accorrl m y thanks to all members of the staff for their support and co-oner-itinr, in just conc?uded tmont * ° bKgations and responsibilities during the busy and difficult ... -"* GENERAL MANAGER.

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