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Stephenson's Interesting Report.

In his report, which is dated 10th August, 1859, Mr. G. R. Stephenson stated that by study of the detailed surveys and maps which had been submitted, and of a very admirable model constructed by Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, he had made himself distinctly acquainted with the line of country through which the railway may be constructed. He also had the advantage of several conferences with Mr. W. B. Bray (who was then visiting England and carried credentials from the Superintendent of the Province). The report then reviews the position, and reaches the decision that it is necessary, in order to construct the railway, to pierce the mountain chain surrounding the harbour.

The propositions which have naturally suggested themselves to those who had given their best consideration to the subject resolve themselves into two main projects:—First, to pass to the east of Mount Pleasant by the line known as the Sumner Valley; second, to pass to the west of Mount Pleasant from Christchurch to Lyttelton by a direct line through the hills.

Referring to the first proposition, the line would proceed from Christchurch without any obstacle to the Heathcote Ferry, where a rock cutting would be necessary to pass the river to the south, thence for ninety chains to Moabone Point. About half of this distance of ninety chains would be on mud-flats below high water mark, and this portion of the line would require to be protected by stone walling. Moabone Point would be passed by a tunnel 225 yards long through volcanic rock, and from this tunnel the line would proceed, on easy formation for one mile, except near the Sumner Rocks, where a portion would have to be made across mud-flats with stone walling as before. Sumner Rocks would be passed by a curved tunnel 620 yards long, and immediately succeeding this, another tunnel 88 yards long through a projecting point.

At this point, the mountain chain which is to be pierced may be said to be reached. The length of line from Christchurch to this point is seven miles, and the tunnelling 933 yards.

From the seven mile point there are three propositions for a line to pass the mountain chain, and these may be described respectively as high level, mid-level, and low level.

The high level route would follow the course of the road from Sumner to Lyttelton, through a tunnel 350 yards long under Evans Pass. The grades on the Sumner side would be 1 in 10 to 1 in 14, and on the Lyttelton side about 1 in 19. This line would also virtually destroy the only public highway for cart and cattle traffic. For these, and other reasons (mentioned) this proposal need not be further discussed.

(To be continued.)

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