It has always been recognized that the construction of the Otira Tunnel was one of the most stupendous engineering tasks ever performed in the history of the Railways of New Zealand. Being the seventh longest tunnel in the world, and the fifth highest of those seven, it is quite permissible for the people in New Zealand to take pride in their achievement.

Although the popular name for the tunnel is Otira, in the Governmental transactions and the surveying and engineering world it is officially designated as the Arthur's Pass Tunnel. It is Arthur's Pass which connects the Bealey and Otira Valleys, on either side of the range.

During the research for information I have come into contact with material which it is not permissible to use, as the secrets of engineers and contractors would thereby be encroached upon. But my grateful thanks are due to all those whom I approached in the quest for facts and who did everything in their power to help me. Especially would I thank Mr .W. Kennedy who has been closely as associated with the tunnel from start to finish and was one of those on the electric train which broke the ribbon on the opening day of the tunnel.

That the tunnel has been and is a great boon to the community has never been for an instant doubted, although from the Railway Department's point of view it may not be an unqualified success. But it has conferred untold benefits on the country. The West Coast was in a primitive, undeveloped condition, and the railway, magic thread through the mountains, has unlocked the door and set the tide of prosperity flowing. The result is that today Westland can take her place with the other provinces of New Zealand.

For many years before the "hole through the hill" was commenced, many and great disappointments had to be patiently borne by those who persistently agitated for a tunnel, many and great difficulties had to be circumvented in the political world, and it is that devoted army of men, many of whom have long been dead, who with undiminished enthusiasm drove to procure this great benefit for their country to whom we owe the great completed achievement.

In one sense they have disproved Kipling's couplet: "East is East and West is West And never the twain shall meet. "