ROAD TO MILFORD

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1939, Page 8

ROAD TO MILFORD

PIERCING THE HOMER SADDLE,

(Per Press Association—Copyright). DUNEDIN, November 20. Provided no unforeseen difficulties arise the bottom heading tunnel through the Horner saddle should be completed before the end of next Febrniiry. This < prediction was made today by the District Public Works Engineer (Mr P. Kellej’), who said that at the present rate of progress the tunnellers should reach the far side of the solid rock early next year, and that the clearing away of the. scree at the western portal should be finished by about the middle of February. Three shifts, working continuously throughout the day aiid ; ; night, have enabled the A. F. Downer and Company, Wellington, to excavate the heading, which is actually a small tunnel, at an average rate of somethingl.more than .50 feet a week, hut during the winter, because of the danger of avalanelies ( work was cut down to one daylight shift', with the men working under protection all t?io time. Full-time tunnelling . was resumed' nearly two months ago, and the 30 men working in the heading were completing Uiore than 50 feet a week during October until a fresh inflow of water /was struck. This, however, will not materially affect the progress of the work. ... After the heading tunnel is completed. it will remain for the Public Works Department •to undertake the enlargement of the tunnel to the full take a motor -road, which is to Connect Te Anau with-Milford Sound. The full; distance of this road will be just on 74 miles, with three-quarters of a mile of tunnel.