£} 
given to shipping. The reforms mentioned above have, in addition to their general 
tasks, to restore equilibrium to the railway budget by eliminating these expenses, 
introducing scientific reorganisation and economy in administration, and putting 
the work as a whole on a commercial footing. 
Finally, mention must be made of the commercial tariff of the railways. 
On October 1st 1925 a new unified tariff system was introduced in place of the 
former differentiated tariffs, and the rates were made much lower in order to 
encourage the export of the products of national industry. 
In addition there have come into force transport agreements for the direct 
transit of gods by international bills of freight between the S.H.S. railways and 
those of almost all the European countries, while preparations are being made 
for the introduction of direct tariffs with all neighbouring states.