Letters to the Editor

摘要

I was most interested in Paul Mahoney's article in Observer 359 on the building of the Homer Tunnel. During the mid-1970s I worked for a time at Newmans Coachlines on South Island tours out of Nelson. These tours involved a two-night stop atTe Anau and a full day excursion to Milford Sound. Departure from Te Anau was carefully calculated so that we arrived at the Homer Tunnel just after the half hour, as entry was strictly controlled (09.30-10.00 going in and 09.00-09.30 coming out). The coaches were full-size 12 metre long 45-seaters so the bore of 4.3m high by 2.7m wide did not allow much room; full concentration was required as it was pitch black inside the tunnel. Even with headlights on full it was difficult to keep to the centre of the road and each side had a ditch with constant water flow. One mistake here and the top corner of the coach would strike the rough granite. Because of the steep grade the far portal could not be seen until the driver was about a quarter of the way through when a check could be made that there was no oncoming traffic. A well known trick was to momentarily turn off all lights, which caused a loud shriek from the passengers.