POPULAR IMAGINATION IS FIRED BY CHANNEL TUNNEL PROPOSITION

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6810, 14 January 1929, Page 7

POPULAR IMAGINATION IS FIRED BY CHANNEL TUNNEL PROPOSITION

Influential Support BUS PROM PICCADILLY TO RUE DE LA PAIX FOUR TUNNELS SUGGESTED. United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Sunday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 12. Tho Channel tunnel scheme has bocome such a live and popular subject that it would not be surprising if something more definite is not heard of it when the House of Commons rc-as-gembles. The idea of catching a ’bus in Piccadilly Circus and alighting in tho Rue da la Paix has captured popular imagination; likewise entraining at London direct for Berlin or anywhere else oa the Continent. The scheme was originally dropped, although thero was a mile or two oi tunnel on each side, because of tho fears of the war lords. In the course of a speech at Newcastle to-day, Viscouut Cecil said he whole-heartedly supported the scheme. Its advantages would be tremendous and the disadvantages remote and fantastic. He could conceive nothing less likely than a sudden, unforeseen attack from France, The dangers which would threaten England in the event of war would be an air attack and starvation, neithe.r of which would be increased by the tunnel. He added: “England must abolish war from her mind. Onco convince people they arc safe and they would bo safe.” Scores of other influential people are urging that the scheme be taken up immediately. It is estimated tho tunnel would be completed in five years. A remarkable development of the idea was advanced to-day by Professor - A. E. Richardson, the distinguished architect, who proposed the construction of two double tunnels, or four tunnels in all, the two outside for roadways and those inside for railways, which would give a great outlet to England’s traffic in rain or snow storm, as the 32 miles of tunnel would always be available. Furthermore, four tunnels would moro easily be constructed than two. A Londoner could motor- from his home to the Continent at the weekend with the same ease as he at present tours England.