For some time past there has been con siderable dissatisfaction on the part- of the outdoor staff at the want of opportunities which they possess of becoming station masters, and an endeavour has been made to bring the wages and salaried staffs into ac cord as to what should be done. I find this has been a failure, and I have deter mined to settle the matter by making regu lations which will open for tlie deserving and intelligent wages men reasonable oppor tune )i__ of becoming stationmasters. I have also decided to pay stationmasters and other officers (on regular duty in connection with Sunday trains in the suburbs of the big centres) for Sunday duty, as I think it only right that men who are constantly re quired to attend to trains on Sundays should have some for the work."

AGRICX~_.TUI.AI_ SHOWS

Agricultural and Pastoral Associations are imp. rt ant institutions :n this colony, and r:as<:nable encouragement should be* given by the Railway Den-irtment to facilitate the working of their aunual .hows, and every possible inducement should be held out to exhibitors c* live stock at these shows, and for the future excursion tickets for a few days prior to the date of the shows will b> !_.ued to exhibitors of live stock to en •jouruge them to provide exhibits and accom pany them.to the shows at the low fare which will be available to the public during

tire currency of the show. lam sure this reduction will be much appreciated by the large class to whom it w:il aUP-.v. OYKRCROWDING AT TICKET OFFICES.
