BARGE AND WATER TUNNEL

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 184, 7 May 1928, Page 15

BARGE AND WATER TUNNEL

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

PROJECT.

At the annual meeting recently held of the Pelorus Sound branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union the question of connecting Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds by a barge a..d water tunnel was discussed. The meeting strongly supported the project and decided to request the Government to appoint an engineer to report on its feasibility and cost. It appears that this scheme, which is considered of importance, was some years back under the consideration of the Government of the day, -and an engineer was sent to the Sounds with the view of forming an estimate, taking levels, and reporting generally on the project. It is understood that all data relating to the scheme is in the possession of the Government. Recognising the advantages of the scheme, the late Hon. C. H. Mills was a strong advocate of the work being carried out. The site of the proposed tunnel is at the head of Onahan Bay apd Te Mahia Bay, where the two Sounds are separated by a narrow neck. This neck at its base is about 25 chains through. A waterway connection would give the Pelorus settlers direct access to a deep sea port. The Pelorus, by far the larger of the two Sounds, is comparatively little known, and it is believed that the projected waterway when completed would greatly increase the tourist traffic. The County of Sounds, with its numerous bays, is unique among the waterways of the world, and the Government has not been called upon for heavy grants, for roads, bridges, public buildings, etc., as most of the other counties have done, and in view of this the settlers think it would be merely an act of justice to assist in the project.