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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 4 (August 1, 1930)

Advantages of direct line

Advantages of direct line.

The cost of the works is estimated as:–Sumner Valley line £327,632, direct line £245,071; from an examination of the ground, that where the lava has been too rapidly cooled it has not assumed the crystalline form, but is more friable and crumbly. The ashes and scoria are porous and may contain water, but I do not anticipate any difficulty whatever in dealing with it.”

Mr. Stephenson then deals with the question of a possible shortening of the tunnel by the use of steeper gradients, but concludes that the line now proposed is the best direct line that can be formed.

“A comparison of distances shows a saving in favour of the direct route of 4 miles 60 chains between Christchurch and Lyttelton, and a saving of 427 yards of tunnelling.

Considering the element of time in construction, it is admitted that the six tunnels on the Sumner route could be pierced in less time than difference in favour of direct line, £82,561.

Against this saving of about £80,000, has to be put the delay of two years in time of construction, a consideration of no small importance to a growing colony. Apart from this, however, the balance of advantage is altogether in favour of the direct line.

(1) It will be constructed for £80,000 less money.

(2) It will be the shortest line between all the points.

(3) It will be the cheapest line to work, entailing less rolling stock, less wear and tear, and less consumption of fuel.

(4) For the same reason it will be the least expensive line to maintain.

(5) And on all these grounds it is evident page 36 that it will be the best able to conduct its traffic at the lowest rate of charge.

On these considerations, then, I am of opinion that the proposed western, or direct line, is the line best adapted for a railway between Christ-church and Port Lyttelton, and is the line most suited to meet the wants of the inhabitants of both those towns, as well as of the colonists at large.”

Mr. Stephenson concluded his report with the following advice:–

“I make this report not only in conformity with my instructions to consider the best line of railway, but because Lyttelton is best served by this route, and because, on every account, I apprehend that Lyttelton is the desirable point to be reached. Lyttelton is at the present time the port of the colony. Any attempt to remove that port must involve the removal of its population and its interest. It is not probable that for many years, at least, there will be any considerable trade at any other points of Port Victoria. I would add, however, that if, at any time, a harbour should be formed at Gollan's Bay, and it should be considered desirable for shipping purposes to extend the line of railway from Lyttelton to Gollan's Bay, the direct line will place Gollan's Bay a mile and thirty chains nearer to Christchurch, via Lyttelton, than the two places can be brought together by the route via Sumner Valley. I consider, moreover, that, as the existing port, Lyttelton has not only a prior claim to
New Zealand Railways Big Northern Terminal, Seen From Aloft. (Photo, courtesy The “Sun” Newspapers, Ltd.) A recent aerial photograph of Auckland's new station buildings.

New Zealand Railways Big Northern Terminal, Seen From Aloft.
(Photo, courtesy The “Sun” Newspapers, Ltd.)
A recent aerial photograph of Auckland's new station buildings.

be served, but that any arrangement which did not serve it would inevitably cause an extent of inconvenience and a disruption of existing relations beyond all present calculation.

“In conclusion, I would desire especially to impress upon the inhabitants of the Province of Canterbury that, in dealing with this question, so all-important to their present interests and future prosperity, it is of the highest importance that they should not be deterred by minor considerations from at once adopting the best line they can possibly obtain. A line of railway from Christchurch to Port Lyttelton must inevitably be the key to the whole railway system of the province; and whilst probably at no part of the province will so much difficulty present itself to the construction of a railway, so no railway in the province can be expected hereafter to return anything equivalent to the returns of the line which will connect the shipping port of Canterbury with the centre of the settlement. To the development of the vast resources of Canterbury a railroad appears to be the one thing needful. I make this report in view of these considerations, and in recommending the colonists to provide that their road should be the best road possible, I do so in the conviction that I am recommending the measure which will be the most conducive to their future and their permanent prosperity, and which, whatever may be its present cost, will inevitably prove in the end the cheapest and most advantageous.”

(To be continued.)