A HARBOUR CABLE-WAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 17

A HARBOUR CABLE-WAY

Sir, —This proposition combines the advantages of both bridge and tunnel. It is simplicity itself. The leading civil engineers of the Dominion have expressed no adverse opinion as to its feasibility or cost. One end of a stout cable will be hooked to a really stout hook at the end of Queen's Wharf, the other end being taken to that part of the North Shore where the population is dense. This location is open to offers. The intending passenger will merely step into a cubicle and carefully shut the door, insert one penny in the slot, turn his dial in the direction required, and revolve the hanclle. All sizes of cubicles will be provided, to suit any size party, up to 20st. Special locker cars for week-end picnickers. The advantage of the cableway over the tunnel is that there are no windows in a tunnel, whereas the cars will have portholes from which to study the wonders of the deep—empty botties, cigarette tins, and a unique carpet of peanut shells. Travellers will not be allowed to stop to pick up straw hats or sovereigns, all valuables being the property of the promoter. As compared with a bridge, the system will not impede the traffic to Pino Island, and is expected to reduce the suicide rate. In the case of invasion the cable can be lifted to trip up an enemy warship, or tie knots round a submarine. Can be used day or night. No hitches, knot in this cable. Engineering data unnecessary—in fact, would be a hindrance to estimating. All the money would be kept in the country—in the promoter's inside pocket. The transharbour problem solved for ever.. F. E. Powell.