Christchurch Road Tunnel

Rights Information
Year
1964
Reference
26104
Media type
Audio

This content is for private viewing only. The material may not always be available for supply.
Click for more information on rights and requesting.

Ask about this item

Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item

Rights Information
Year
1964
Reference
26104
Media type
Audio

This content is for private viewing only. The material may not always be available for supply.
Click for more information on rights and requesting.

Categories
Interviews (Sound recordings)
Sound recordings
Duration
00:19:15
Broadcast Date
27 Feb 1964
Credits
RNZ Collection
Witbrock, R.A., Speaker/Kaikōrero
Warren, Alwyn Keith, 1900-1988, Speaker/Kaikōrero
Holyoake, Keith Jacka (b.1904, d.1983), Speaker/Kaikōrero
Fergusson, Bernard, 1911-1980, Speaker/Kaikōrero
Thomas Kirk-Burnnand, Composer
Chamberlain, Wally, Announcer
Williams, Willis, Announcer

The recording opens with interviews with several unidentified workmen, who describe methods used in the construction of the Christchurch-Lyttelton road tunnel.

Broadcaster Willis Williams introduces the broadcast of the tunnel opening ceremony. This begins with “Gateway to the Plains”, a march composed by Tom Kirk-Burnnand for the occasion.

The broadcast from the opening ceremony of the Christchurch-Lyttelton road tunnel is narrated by announcer Wally Chamberlain. Mr R.A. Witbrock, Chairman of the Tunnel Authority, welcomes the Governor-General and introduces the Prime Minister, Keith Holyoake.

Prime Minister Keith Holyoake pays tribute to those who have worked on the tunnel project. The Bishop of Christchurch, The Right Reverend A.K. Warren, dedicates the tunnel. There is a speech by the Governor General, Sir Bernard Fergusson, who declares the tunnel open. Broadcaster Wally Chamberlain then describes the first car to pay the toll and move through the tunnel.