Piercing the Alps: a study of the McLean contract for building the Otira Tunnel

Abstract

For many years I have been aware of the trials and tribulations associated with the building of the Otira Tunnel. However, it was not until some six years ago that I realised that the tunnel story was one of the greatest sagas of public works construction in New Zealand and that more research into it was required. My realisation stemmed from being shown the family scrapbook and other documents by my aunt, Mrs Neil McLean of Auckland. The various contents of these diverse newspaper clippings and other documents stimulated my interest in the subject and I came to think how wonderful it would be if a book could be written about the tunnel's construction. One day I mentioned these ideas to Mr T.E.Y. Seddon who was very interested in the tunnel. He was closely involved with the development of the tunnel, having been the Member for Westland at the time the contract was announced in July 1907. He was also present when my great-grandfather sent a gang of men to clear the scrub from the site of the tunnel mouth at Otira for the beginning of the great project and, from that stage until the tunnel was opened in 1923, Tom Seddon played a major role in the troubles connected with its construction. Mr Seddon gave me considerable help such as introducing me to the staff at the Parliamentary Library and giving me numerous letters of introduction to people on the West Coast whom he considered could make some worthwhile contribution. It can be readily understood what a blow it was to me when I read of his death while I was in Hokitika in January 1972.