Lyttelton Station Reclamation.

The contract for the breastwork and reclamation for Lyttelton station was let to E. J. Wright, who was afterwards responsible for the construction of many other railway works in Canterbury. The specification provided for a backing of sheet piling for the breastwork, but the supply of timber being delayed and the contractor having to dispose of a quantity of stripping in order to obtain rock for the facing, reclamation was continued without the sheet piling, with the result that during stormy weather the embankment slipped into the harbour. An enquiry was held and there was some condemnation of the plan, but it chiefly appeared that in order to forward the work a risk had been taken, and the damage had resulted.

In 1866 the term of Mr. Bealey as Superintendent having expired, Mr. W. Sefton Moorhouse was again elected. In addressing the Provincial Council on 19th October, 1866, he referred to the extraordinary drain on the resources of Canterbury in favour of the Northern Island during the last few years, which had very materially affected the powers of sustaining a large public expenditure in reproductive works. He was hopeful of meeting present engagements and completing all works which had been commenced. There was still a distance of 245 yards to be excavated to complete the Lyttelton tunnel, but it was expected the line from Lyttelton to Selwyn would be ready for traffic in about nine months. The line was already working between Ferrymead and Rolleston.