Continuing his report on the subject of railway communication between Lyttelton and Christchurch, Mr. G. R. Stephenson states:-

“The mid-level route would ascend the western side of the Sumner Valley at an inclination of about 1 in 30 to a tunnel 800 yards long under Evans Pass, at an elevation of about 250 feet. It would descend from the tunnel by a side cutting to Polhill's Bay, thence by a tunnel half a mile in length through the point known as Sticking Point, to the Market Place at Lyttelton. It would reach the Market Place at an elevation of 100 feet above the sea, an arrangement of a very objectionable character in every way, and one which would involve perpetual charges for cartage, haulage, etc., between the high level station and the ship's side. The length of this line would be nearly eleven miles, and the tunnelling close upon 2,600 yards, and there would be heavy side cuttings. There are strong objections to this line. It appears a line might be constructed with less objectionable features; it is therefore unnecessary to offer further observations on this project.