WOOLWICH TUNNEL OPENED

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8296, 6 December 1912, Page 2

WOOLWICH TUNNEL OPENED

THRONGED WITH PEDESTRIANS IN THE FIRST HOUR. LONDON, October 28. The Woolwich tunnel under the Thames was formally opened on Saturday by Lord Cheylesmorc, the chairman of tho London County Council. The new work forms a connecting link between North and South Woolwich, and its opening occurs at a time of year when its need is more than ever emphasised on account of fogs, which at tidies interfere with the working of the ferry system, and cause considerable inconvenience to workers forced to use it. An illustration of tho value of the tunnel, which is nearly a third of a mile long, was afforded on Saturday morning at tho opening ceremony, which was carried out amid au unpleasant drizzle, while a heavy fog hong over the riverMr Whittaker Thompson presided, and among those present were Mr Will Crooks, M.P., the Mayor and Mayoress of Woolwich, Lord Oheylosmore, Sir Maurice and Lady Fitzmaurioe, Sir John McDougall, Mr Easton, L.C.C., Mr li. Ward, L.C.C., Mr Gordon, L.C.C., and Mr Dove, L.C.C. Mr Whittaker Thompson said he was not surprised that the need of a tunnel had been felt locally pn account of the recent fogs. Naturally the people wanted to use the tunnel as soon as they could. Lord Gheylesmora formally declared the tunnel open, and later, in responding to a vote of thanks, bo recalled that 31 years ago Lord Rosebery had opened the Woolwiph ferry, which cost practically J 1200,000. They were there that day to open the tunnel, which was built at a very much lass cost. The proceedings having ended, the members of tho L.t1.0. and tho guests descended by the lifts and walked through the tunnel, returning to Wooiwioh by way Of the ferry. There was a rush on tho part of the general public tho moment the tunnel waa thrown open, Poring the first hour or so it was thronged with pedestrians.