A BIG PROJECT.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1027, 27 April 1883, Page 2

A BIG PROJECT.

At one time Aucklanders used to be thought rather a sleepy lot, but the Colony is awakeniqg to the fact that it was mistaken. If they slept, it was generally with one eye open, and latterly it may bo safely said that they have been very wide awake indeed. Auckland has extended her commerce recently with greater rapidity than any other centre, and on this coast she has obtained a hold which Wellington people will find it difficult to shake. No donbt the attempt will be made when once communication with the Plains is opened up by rail. As if in anticipation of this, a doing project is on foot in Auckland, which, if carried out, would give her greater advantages than she now possesses. The question which is exciting attention in the northern city just now is the cutting of a canal from the Manukao to the Waitemata. The Herald seems to think the idea a very good one, and quite desirable. “ Were a canal opened,” it soys, “ either at the Whan or at the Tamaki, vessels from Waitara and other places along the West Coast could sail right through to Auckland wharf; in fact, such a canal would tend to centre the whole trade of the West Coast, both of the North and South Islands, in Auckland, as Auckland would then be more easily reached than any of the large centres of population.” No donbt this would be a very desirable thing from an Auckland point of view, and indeed it would not be a bad prospect for the Coast, The cost would be, say, about half a million, but that is nothing. Enterprising people in these days don’t stick at trifles. We should not be in the least surprised if some bold member came down with a bill next session to authorise the Harbour Board to go on with the work. Of course it would not pass ; the statement that the West Coast trade of loth Islands would be done by Auckland was a fatal admission, because Wellington people would be in arms if any attempt were made to obtain concessions from the House. This canal scheme may, however, serve to show that Auckland is on the watch for any new outlet for trade, or any means for extending her already extensive business.