The Lyttelton Road Tunnel – NOT an Entry!
When my great-grandparents first arrived in 1853
after many months discomfort spent on board SS.”Maori”,
they disembarked at Lyttelton then must, for all their pains,
surmount the steep Port Hills to reach the Canterbury Plains.
In 1849 a road already was surveyed
from Lyttelton to Christchurch via Sumner. Start was made
but work was discontinued when the problems they encountered
made such a plan impractical and all construction foundered.
The steep trek over Rapaki became, in aftermath
since horses must perforce be led, known as “The Bridle Path.”
It wound up from Port Cooper (later named as Lyttelton)
then down to Heathcote Valley where road building had begun.
All goods that were adjudged too heavy or too big to be
transported by packhorse across the hills via Rapaki
were shipped eight miles around the coast and up the estuary
to Ferrymead where rail first opened 1863.
Due to difficulties travelling across those steep Port Hills
or the Sumner bar with dangers causing many shipping spills,
in 1861, at costs they scarcely could afford,
a railway tunnel through the hills to Lyttelton was bored.
This was the first rail tunnel and the longest ever made
by drilling through volcanic rock with high-explosives laid.
Eventually the tunnel costs were met and fully paid
with earnings from the exports of expanding woollen trade.
To erstwhile politician Harry Ell, the chances seemed
most opportune to promulgate a concept he had dreamed
of a highway running right around the summit of the hills
with walking tracks and resting-houses placed at intervals.
There were plenty in the 20’s who hard labour would not shirk
for the great depression of those years left many out of work.
With unrelenting argument and fervour Ell conducted
his great campaign to get the Summit Road at last constructed.
By the time of Harry’s death in June of 1934,
the Summit Road was open; the rest-houses numbered four.
In wintertime with heavy frost or snow the road is icy
and, though the views are marvellous, the bends are rather dicey.
The City fathers sought to find some safer, quicker ways
for motorists from Christchurch to drive over to The Bays.
It took another twenty years, construction ten years more,
to plan the long road tunnel opened 1964.
At 1.9 kilometres it is this country’s longest
while the railroad one’s the oldest and, quite possibly, the strongest
but the new road tunnel through to Lyttelton was viewed with pride;
neat tiles from floor to ceiling and so brightly lit inside.
When visitors from cruise-ships visit Christchurch nowadays,
their first drive through the tunnel never ceases to amaze.
Heathcote Giffen, August 17th. 2007.
A contest entry
- Only For Members of Hugh Wyles Favourites Group #19 by huguenauties.
750 points, ended August 30, 2007, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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hey i think i might have to climb into jens lugggage and come visit nz too. but do i have to go through the tunnel? if its anything like the sydney harbour tunnel i think i would rather not.... thats scary!!! especially when you are half way through the harbour tunnel and have to turn on your windscreen wipers. whats with that... its a tunnel designed to keep the water out!
til
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Dear Heath, I read you've gone overseas on business, and you left Hine at home? HAHA
Just had to get that in first.
As I was telling Hugh I would come to New Zealand if I had the chance, and I'd love to see you and Hine again.
The Lyttleton tunnel sounds like a great tunnel to go through, especially to visit Lyttleton when coming out of it. A beaut poem dear Cousin.
Love Jen.
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Dear Heathcote
I have fond memories with regard to the Lyttleton Road Tunnel. The tunnel itself could be scary but where it took us was so wonderful. My adopted brother was in the Navy Reserves and it was great to see him go on his ship. I can laugh now at how relieved I was to see the back of him. I enjoyed your poem very much and congratulate you on an excellent write.
Hugs and love,
Petratani
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Great write about another NZ icon I've never been to/through.
Well done
Cheers
Anne
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Another beautiful piece about a beautiful country. Thank you for it.
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My dearest Heath,
I remember the day I arrived in New Zealand from Australia on the boat at Lyttleton and you took me through the Lyttleton tunnel, what a thrill it was as you told me the story of how and why it was built.
You have done a grand poem so others may read and learn about our beautiful country.
Love always
Hine.
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Dear Heath, This is wonderful information on how the Lyttleton tunnel was built. I missed going through it the times I was there but Hugh assures me they will take Sharon and I through it when we come over in February. Hine has told me all about it, she was lucky to be able to go through it when she came off the boat.
Well written dear Nephew.
Love A/J
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By the way, are you aware that Harry George Ell (1862-1934) was a Freemason?
Many of the stained glass windows in the Sign of the Takahe (the fourth and largest of his 'resting-houses') bear masonic symbols. -
Dear Heathcote,
The Lyttelton Tunnels, Rail or Road are appropriate choices as Icons of Christchurch. In my younger days I walked the Bridle Path (or the Rapaki Track as it is often called) and marvelled at the views over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains on the one hand and, on the other, the immense, ocean-filled extinct crater that comprises Lyttelton Harbour, Corsair Bay, Governors' Bay, Charteris Bay, Purau, Diamond Harbour, Church Bay and the many smaller inlets that we collectively call "The Bays".
The thought of those early pioneers, laden with whatever possessions they could carry, struggling over that steep route before any road was constructed, boggles the mind. Now, it is an easy and short drive from Heathcote through the tunnel to emerge at or return from the thriving port town of Lyttelton.
I am sure that Hinemoa will never forget her first arrival at the Port and drive through to Christchurch.
Applause for your choice and your informative poem.
Love, Hugh (R.)
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