Ōtira and Springfield celebrate 100 years since tunnel opening
Ōtira was a bustling town with about 650 people when the Ōtira Tunnel first linked the West Coast to the rest of the South Island 100 years ago.
Communities at both ends of the tunnel are celebrating its centenary on Friday.
The rail tunnel travels 8.5km through the Southern Alps and was once the seventh longest tunnel in the world, and the longest in the British Empire.
Although the rail tunnel is now only the third longest in the country, it remains an engineering marvel.
During its construction, tunnellers contended with harsh conditions, using basic tools to drive through wet shale and rock, and with the steep track required from Ōtira to Arthur’s Pass.
A committee of Ōtira residents was set up two years ago to organise a celebration to commemorate 100 years since the tunnel opened on August 4, 1923.
Read reporter Joanne Naish's full story here (subscription required).
For a bit of fun...
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Do you have a childhood memory to share? Let us know below what products you still think of fondly!
Power outages across Christchurch
Early this morning, a power outage affected parts of Christchurch.
What you need to know:
- Over 1500 homes in Christchurch lost power.
- Power company Orion showed 1576 properties across Avonhead, Broomfield, Burnside, Hyde Park, Ilam, Russley, Upper Riccarton were affected at 6.28am.
- Some 889 properties had had power restored by 7.45am, but the rest could be waiting up until 9am, Orion’s website showed.
- An investigation is under way into what caused the outage.
- Temperatures in central Christchurch were about minus 1.8C, according to MetService.
Free lessons for women to learn how to ride a bike
Bike Bridge will be offering a series of 4 daytime bike lessons for women during the July school holidays.
Location: Addington School
Wednesday 10th July, 11am-1pm
Thursday 11th July, 11am -1pm
Wednesday 17th July, 11am-1pm
Thursday 18th July, 11am -1pm
As usual, lessons are free and there is no need to register - just turn up on the day. All equipment is provided, just please wear closed shoes. All abilities are welcome, from complete beginners who have never sat on a bike before, to those that can ride but want to learn to ride safely on the road.
For more information see link under 'Read More' for their Facebook page.
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