superintendent moorhouse became a strong proponent of the tunnel project. during the campaign for election of the provincial superintendent in 1857, the tunnel became the central issue, with moorhouse’s opponent, joseph brittan, being opposed to the idea. moorhouse received much support for his position from the residents of lyttelton, as evidenced by the results of the election: of the 12,000 residents of canterbury, including 3,205 in christchurch and 1,944 in lyttelton, both candidates received 206 votes from the residents of christchurch. however, overall results were a victory for moorhouse by 727 votes to 352. moorhouse later began the project by turning the first sod on 17 july 1861.