FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21470, 19 April 1933, Page 8

FIFTY YEARS AGO

EXTRACTS FROM THE HERALD LINKING THE HARBOURS The following are extracts from the New Zealand Herald of April 19, 1883: An old citizen of Auckland, who during a long residence here had accumulated over £IOO,OOO, died yesterday, dividing his fortune' among several Auckland institutions and charities. Mr. Costley has given his fortune to seven institutions, and is certainly the most .munificent benefactor Auckland has ever had. The citizens will have cause ever to fesl grateful to him. The question of connecting tho Mauukau with the Waitemata is not a new one, and its pros and cons have been frequently argued. As usual, there are rival schemes, and the desirability of having the canal being admitted on all hands, the engineering question crops up—which is the best connection? Some argue in favour of the Whau and some in favour of the Tamaki. Of course, on both sides, there are interested motives, and engineers are positive on either side. It has been suggested to us that the opinion of His Excellency the Governor might be asked on the subject. Irrespective of his high official position, Sir William Jervois has few equals as an engineering authority and his opinion would carry great weight. That the Manukau and Waitemata will be connected at some date is a foregone conclusion. The great advantages which would result from the connection of the two ports is so apparent as to be acknowledged by all. but the wonder is that no steps have been taken hitherto to effect the connection and achieve the anticipated advantages. , "" Intelligence of a disquieting nature has been received from the West African coast, and it is expected that a conflict will ensue between Stanley's exploring expedition and the French party under De Brazsa, in the Congo couutrv. The Italians assert that the researches mado of ■'New Guinea by Signor D'Albertis, the explorer, have hastened the annexation of that country by tns Queensland Government.