1972-1973 — Page 13

ACCOUNTS

31. Railway operating services produced a record revenue of $20,685,340, which exceeded by 13.29% the previous year's figure of $18,259,051. However, despite the increase in revenue, the Gross Operating Profit fell from $4,171,711 in 1971-72 to $4,131,913. This was due mainly to a revision of salaries and a rise in other operating expenses. The Nett Profit was $2,354,811 compared with $2,490,143 in the previous year.

32. There was no significant increase in fixed assets. Various im- provements to existing facilities, such as extensions to station buildings, widening of a platform, erection of an additional waiting shelter, pro- vision of nickel-cadmium batteries in carriages, etc., amounting to $554,394, were carried out during the year.

33. The Accounts and supporting data are published in Appendices I to V to this Report.

MECHANICAL WORKSHOPS

34. All locomotives, rolling stock, electrical and mechanical equip- ment, machinery and plant were maintained to a good standard during the year.

35. Locomotives. Forty-eight 5,000 mile inspections, thirty-one 10,000 mile inspections, six 30,000 mile inspections, two 60,000 mile inspections and six 120,000 mile inspections were performed on the nine diesel electric locomotives. Locomotives Nos. 51 and 52 had their engine liners and pistons renewed. The power units and auxilliary generators of locomotives Nos. 52 and 55 were overhauled. Locomotive No. 54 had its wheels turned, main generators, traction motors and auxilliary generators overhauled and running gears reconditioned. The wheels of locomotive No. 57 were renewed. Locomotive No. 59 had its wheels turned, power units overhauled and traction motors recon- ditioned. The high dispersancy oil adopted for diesel engine lubrication continued to render very satisfactory service.

36. The maintenance cost of the diesel locomotives was $0.853 per km. compared with $0.677 per km. in the previous year. The rise was attributed to the increased cost of spare parts and labour which was brought about by the world-wide inflation.

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