First Man to Pass Through the Tunnel.

It was claimed that Mr. Harry Smith was the first man to pass through the tunnel. He came from the Heathcote portal, and though a Lyttelton man was first through the breach, Mr. Smith, having the shorter distance to go, reached the Lyttelton portal before the Lyttelton man reached the Heathcote portal.

The contractors then invited His Honour the Superintendent and local members of the Provincial Council to pass through the tunnel. A train left Christchurch at 12 noon for Heathcote Valley, whence the visitors were conveyed on trollies to Lyttelton, but had to tranship at the point of junction. At Lyttelton they were met and entertained by the Mayor and leading residents.

It is recorded, as a matter of interest, that the first thing carried through the tunnel was a copy of the newspaper Bell's Life in Victoria. This newspaper, which had just arrived at Lyttelton by mail from Melbourne, was passed through an aperture at the face before the larger breach was made.

Owing to the work still being in progress the public could not be admitted to the tunnel, but on Whit Monday (10th June) a public procession was arranged. The tunnel was illuminated by tallow candles set in tin sconces on the walls. A train of nine carriages was run at frequent intervals between Christchurch and Heathcote Valley, and it was estimated that 2,000 persons were carried.