PORT AND CITY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17702, 31 January 1918, Page 3

PORT AND CITY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Quite a number of letters and articles on this subject have appeared in your paper recently. Allow me to point out that rapid, economical and safe travel can be obtained without delay at a minimum of cost by electrifying the railway from Christchurch to Lyttelton. The proposal can meet with no objections. Given that the said mentioned railway were supplied with the necessary equipment of electricity, passenger and goods traffic could be carried on at once without danger of collision, on the condition that trams or trains started from the. two termini at the same time- They would pass each other midway about Opawa, where the lines are double. Again, light up the tunnel with electricity, and running could go on all night.— I am, etc., ONLOOKER. TO THE EOITOR. Sir, —In reference, to vour correspondence on this subject, I may say it is something to find general endorsement among us that a change of some sort is necessary. As a correspondent mentions Sumner twice in his letter, it appears to mo that part- of his objection to a canal is that lie thinks it will not be at New Brighton. But suppose it is placed halfway between the two places, as is advocated bv a section of the people, ana where I, who have studied the project for twenty years, think it ought to be, how then? When, all has been said in favour of a Port Christchurch as against wasting more money at Lyttelton, still as much again remains to be said regarding the future. Lyttelton is all right if the city is to remain just as it is at present, and grow no further, either in extent, or population. It may remain so if we stick to Lyttelton. That is true enough, but if we develop our own side of the hills we shall attract a population of a quarter of a million. A Port Christchurch, with unlimited land room will undoubtedly attract the attention of outside capital. AVill another hole in the hill do so? That is tlie question. Personally, I think we have a big enough hole as it is-—1 am, etc., DIRECT TRADE.