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78. It is pleasing to be able to report that the cost of stationery has been reduced by $2,525.04, or 24.84%. This has been achieved by using the backs of obsolete forms for inter-departmental correspondence and for all duplicate records, and by exercising strict control over use.
2.—Statistical.
79. The statistical section has fully justified its formation by the comprehensive returns now produced. These have been found to be of the greatest value in eliminating wasteful and uneconomic services and movements, and in suggesting means to stimulate traffic.
80. The value of the statistical work performed during the year cannot be over-estimated, and the success of many measures taken to improve revenue and reduce expenditure can be attributed directly to the information supplied by this section.
81. Forms have been revised as indicated by experience, to enable the returns to be as simple and compact as possible.
82. The statements and tables in this report have been amended where found desirable, and certain arbitrary train mileage figures shown in the 1934 report have been recast to present a more accurate picture of the operations.
IV. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.
83. All locomotives, wagons, carriages, motor cars, machinery, and other plant were maintained in an efficient state during the year under review.
84. The changing of the conicity of wheel tyres from 1 in 40 to 1 in 20, mentioned in last year's report, has increased tyre life. Previous to the alteration, tyres had to be reshaped after 30,000 miles in service, whereas they now last 50,500 miles.
85. Two "A" class engines were entirely stripped down and rebuilt early in the year, to increase their overall efficiency. The side tanks were removed and the cabs were improved. These two engines, which are now classified as "D" class, were specially designed to haul the fast through trains, and have fully justified their conversion. They are serviced by means of the attachment of a 6,000 gallons water-wagon.
86. Major repairs to locomotives were as follows:-
(a) Four “A” class engines were completely overhauled and one of them was fitted with a reconditioned boiler from England.
(b) One "B" class engine was completely overhauled and heavy boiler repairs were carried out to the remainder.