HOMER TUNNEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24793, 17 January 1944, Page 2

HOMER TUNNEL

AN EERIE JOURNEY

TOURISTS PASS THROUGH (0.C.) INVERCARGILL, Sunday Although the Homer tunnel is not officially open, a thin stream of tourist traffic has been filtering through to Milford Sound during the present holiday season. Private cars are not permitted to enter the tunnel, and the only form of transport available is a motortruck driven by the manager of the Milford Hotel. The journey is interesting and somewhat eerie. For a short distance at each end the, tunnel has been given its full width, so that it is easy to visualise smooth transit for two-way traffic when the project is completed after the war. Over the greater part of the distance, however, it is narrow, low and roughhewn. The floor is decidedly bumpy, and there is a litter of spoil. Darkness Absolute

A bend near the western outlet blocks the light, making the darkness absolute. Veils of mist float through, restricting the range of the headlights and providing strange effects when the beams fall upon a piece of machinery, a stack of timber, or a slab of rock. Water drips from the roof, sometimes in small cascades. The chill atmosphere and the darkness make the journey seem much longer than "its "three-quarters of a mile. It must be even stranger for the few hikers who walk through the tunnel. Two middle-aged women went through with only a hurricane lamp to show the way. They were followed a few hours later by two young men. On Tuesday last three cyclists went through with their machines. The most difficult trip, however, was made by a man who travelled alone, and without a lantern. He relied on a stick to keep him clear of obstacles. Not Hard Going From the driver's point of view, the tunnel is not hard going. The real difficulty is the road which descends into the Cleddeau Canyon. Its rough surface, steep gradient and sharp turns require expert driving. Further down the canyon it is much better, although _ the access bridges seem somewhat primitive to the average traveller. This road will become famous when it is open to motor traffic. At present, it has special attractions. The solitude is complete. It is strange to come upon the deserted Public Works camps, little clusters of tents on the edge of a bush that is quietly encroaching. Visitors to Mil ford in the past week were able to see the sound under perfect conditions. Cloudless -skies and brilliant sunshine gave them a memorable experience.