CANALS OF THE WORLD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15554, 11 March 1914, Page 12

CANALS OF THE WORLD.

Although the construction of the Panama Canal is admittedly one of the greatest engineering feats that have ever been accomplished, the canal is by no means the longest in the world. In fact, it comes third on the list of ship canals, the Suez Canal being 90 miles, the Kiel Canal 61 miles, and the Panama Canal about 50 miles in length. But the last-named has cost fully three times as much to make as did the Suez Canal; and, if it succeeds in paying its way, the United' States Government will have cause for much satisfaction. On the other hand, the benefits the canal will confer upon the world are inestimable. The new route from London to San Francisco, for example, is at least 6000 miles shorter than the old; whilst tho distance by sea from New York to San Francisco has been reduced by 10,000 miles. In consequence of the opening of the canal surprising trade developments are certain; and in these, as a glance at a map will show, British Columbia must share to a very large extent.