ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. STEAM FROM PANAMA TO AUCKLAND.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 682, 27 October 1852, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. STEAM FROM PANAMA TO AUCKLAND.

To the Editor of the New Zeai-ander. Sir, — Seeing the rapidly increasing probability" of steam from Panama to Sydney — via NewZealand — I take the liberty ot bringing before your notice the subject of a canal, to connect the iiarbour of Manakau, on the west coast of New Zealand, with that of Auckland on the east, to cut shorter the transition" of the steamers, to and from Sydney. It would be superfluous for me to. try to enumerate the many great savings to the Company, in the course of twelve months — iit point of distance, fuel, wear and tear, &c, — but supposing the steamers to call at Auckland — (and' what would induce them more than a canal \) — I believe it would save about two days each trip, which, is a consideration where there is competition. Now, sir, if we were situated as they are in Sydney, at the end of the journey the case would be quite a different one, but being — on route — and having such natural facilities for making it about, two days shorter, each monthly course — which in twelve months would be a great saving of twenty-four days. I think we of Auckland cannot serve the Company a better turn than, by proposing a canal, pointing out the great advantages they would 'derive — and solicit their assistance to help to make it. But, however, sir, I think we cannot afford to be lavish, in. giving money to a rich company ; the colony is too young ; but if anything is" given, let it be in aid of a canal, for by so doing it would serve many purposes, the Company would have the full benefit of it — so would our local fleet — and so would our mechanics, who are walking about the streets doing nothing ; many of them not willing to go to the sister colonies but may be compelled, for the want of employment. 1 hope | sir, the energy of the New Zcalanders will not be a wiht behind that of Australia, in appreciating the undertaking, but put forth her best energies to assist the noble work. If you think it not I trespassing too mnch on your space, allqw me 1 Sir, for the information of your readers — (or that portion who may think the expence would be too great) to submit the following statement of the cost, of two different; canals, .extracted from a valuable work on the subject. The first is from the German Ocean, to the river Ai, at Amsterdam, 52 miles long, 123 feet broad at the surface, 38 feet at the bottom, 21 feet deep, two frigates can pass each other, six years making, and cost £850,000 (which is .under £17,000 per mile). Theotheristhe Caledonia canalin Scotland, 59} miles long, 120 feet wide at the top, 50 feet at the bottom, 20 feet deep, 18 years making, and cost £800,000 (which is uncle* £14,000 per mile),* ! Now when we look at the above and at our short cutting, the cost will sink into an insignificant sum, but if any of our mathematical gentlemen will favour the public with their ideas on the-, subject, I think it will be veay acceptable, and; would oblige A Citizen., Auckland, Oct. 16th, 1852.