THE DEBORAH BAY TUNNEL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 398, 9 June 1881, Page 3

THE DEBORAH BAY TUNNEL.

With reference to the Deborah Bay Tunnel at Bluesldn, the Dunedin Herald remarks that most travellers by train are apt to associate the dangers of the road with the high cliffs below the line of railway, whereas the danger is really from overhead. The line round the cliff is now check-railed —that is to say, the wheels travel on two rails laid side by side, such as may be seen at a crossing, so that the possibility of the wheels going of the rails is reduced to the very low st. The places where there is but little room between the rock and the ledge bare by stone walling, and the line round the cliffs is more secure than ever it was. The chief danger, is, however, from overhead, and many of the pieces of half-rotten rock almost overhanging the railway line are such that in wet weather they would come away easily with the vibration of the train. The line round the cliffs, however, is inspected every time prior to a train passing, but even this is not sufficient to prevent the possibility of accidents. The, other day a big log rolled over the cliffs, and was noticed prior to the passing of train. Fortunately it fell clear of the rails, but it was so much a case of touch-and-go with the train that the step of one of the cur a es w*as carried away.