PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 21 



The faster the trains are moving with their loads to their 

 terminal stations, the greater the necessity for ample and 

 efficient means of handling the freight, and freeing the 

 rolling stock for the return journey. Extensive additions 

 have been provided for the handling of wheat, and the 

 facilities now in operation have so far been able to cope 

 with the demands made upon them. With a view to the 

 future, a large produce shed has been completed at Alex- 

 andria 1,000 feet by 200 feet, where most of the Sydney 

 produce business is transacted. A large double tier goods 

 shed is in course of erection at Darling Harbour, and when 

 complete, with electric cranes and lighting, will be of great 

 assistance in the handling of freight. 



The progress in connection with interlocking and signal- 

 ling on the New South Wales Railways during the last 

 twenty-five years has taken place along three definite lines. 

 Prior to 1891, considerable progress had been made in the 

 interlocking of stations on the system, but a great deal 

 still remained to be done. The earliest interlocking 

 carried out in New South Wales was in the year 1883, 

 and by the year 1891, 250 places had been interlocked. 

 By the end of the year 1916, the total number of interlocked 

 places on the New South Wales railways amounted to 969. 

 A more accurate way of expressing the progress of inter- 

 locking is in terms of "Points and Crossings" rather than 

 "Places," and on this basis, at the end of the year 1916, 

 there were 82*4% of the points and crossings throughout 

 the system, on lines worked over by passenger trains, inters 

 locked, leaving only 17*6% still unlocked. The installation 

 of interlocking at the remaining places is being pushed 

 forward as rapidly as possible, having regard to the funds 

 available, and it is hoped very shortly greatly to decrease 

 the number of places still to be dealt with. 



In the year 1891, a large portion of the interlocking 

 gear and fittings required were imported from England, 



