A (2) 7
RAILWAY EARNINGS.
30. A statement showing the gross receipts for the past five years is shown on page 11 of the report; and it will be observed that the gross receipts for the year were $890,744.54, being an increase of $69,749.64 as compared with $820,994.90 for the year 1928. The Revenue shows the very satisfactory excess over Expenditure for the year of $138,767.19.
The foreign passenger receipts show an increase of 23.15% on the previous year in spite of the fact that the through passenger service to Canton was suspended for 37 days.
SUSPENSION OF TRAFFIC CLAIMS.
31. The claims against the Chinese Section on account of suspension of Through and Joint Sectional Traffic, hire of Rolling Stock, and Demurrage, which stood at $997,596.21 at the end of 1928, have increased by $23,966.40 in respect of suspension of traffic during 1929, making a total of $1,021,562.61 outstanding at the end of 1929. The Debits in respect of Demurrage and Hire of Rolling Stock for the year 1929 were accepted by the Administration of the Chinese Section and the accounts adjusted. The claims for Suspension of Traffic for 1923-1929 and Demurrage of Wagons for 1924 and 1925 were however not accepted, and the question of the adjustment of the claim of $1,021,562.61 has been referred to the Secretary of State.
RAILWAY EXPENDITURE.
32. The working expenses for the year 1929 amounted to $751,977.35 being a decrease of $48,976.82 on the amount expended in 1928.
FARES ALLOCATION.
33. The final division sheets of Through and Joint Sectional traffic receipts have been agreed between the two Administrations to the end of 1929.
RAILWAY STORES.
34. Test surveys of the Main and Workshop Stores were carried out during the year and call for no comment.
PRAYA EAST ACCOUNT.
35. The account has been examined monthly and all observations made have been satisfactorily settled.
The Reclamation Scheme is rapidly nearing completion. Many new Leases have been granted to Subscribers on the understanding that they will have to bear a proportionate part of the excess cost over the estimate when the amount is finally known.