I)—2

The same position obtains in the case of wagons and cars, and the following table shows the decreasing number of each that can be given heavy repairs in relation to the total stock :

The small increase in the number of wagons receiving heavy repairs for last year was achieved only at the expense of capital work. The following summary shows the over-all staffing position as at 31st March, 1950, with the corresponding figures for the previous year. It should be explained that the average number of staff employed throughout the year is swollen by the numbers of persons employed only temporarily. The shortages which have already been outlined in the various branches of the Department apply only to the occupational groups of employees performing duties customarily allocated to permanent members of the Department, but even in respect of temporary employees the number available for employment in the goods-sheds at the main centres, particularly Wellington, is far from adequate.

During the year appointments to the permanent staff totalled 802 (excluding temporary staff given permanent status), while 210 members of the permanent staff retired, 1,051 resigned, 54 died, and 63 were paid off or dismissed. A total of £118,640 was paid under the Workers' Compensation Act during the year in respect of employees who suffered injury in the course of their employment. Sittings of the Government Railways Industrial Tribunal have again taken place during the year to hear claims lodged by the four railway service organizations for improvements in the rates of remuneration and the conditions of employment of railway employees. These claims have resulted in the Tribunal's having made some 38 orders providing for increased rates of salaries and wages and improved conditions of service. Reference to this subject has already been made under the heading of expenditure.

20

Wagons Per Cent. Cars Per Cent. Year Ended 31st March, Receiving of Wagon Receiving of Car Heavy Repairs. Stock. Heavy Repairs. Stock. ]939 .. 15,158 53-3 1,120 75-2 1940 .. 14,342 47-9 1,163 76-0 1941 .. 12,244 39-4 1,101 71-6 1942 .. 12,529 40-0 986 64-7 1943 .. 13,925 44-5 966 63-6 1944 12,445 39-9 1,026 68-1 1945 .. .. 11,850 38-2 858 57-2 1946 .. 11,402 36-7 808 54-0 1947 .. 11,131 35-3 . 736 49-3 1948 .. 10,898 331 769 51-5 1949 .. 10,285 29-9 680 45-8 1950 .. 10,597 30-9 596 40-3

— 1950. 1949. Variation, 1950 with 1949. Total staff as at 31st March.— Permanent 17,820 17,509 +311 Temporary 8,650 8,975 -325 Totals 26,470 26,484 - 14 Average staff throughout the year 26,780. 26,324 +456