TO ENGLAND IN 14 DAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 June 1921, Page 11

TO ENGLAND IN 14 DAYS.

PROPHECY IN AUCKLAND. FORECAST 68 YEARS AGO. The publication of a detailed scheme for an aerial mail service between England and Australia and New Zealand has recalled to a former resident an interest-k ing forecast of something of the kind, uttered in Auckland many years ago. Mr. G. W. D. Morris, of Plimmerton, Wellington, who is visiting Auckland, stated that he had heard the prophecy uttered. About 68 years ago there was a man named Cartwright, resident in' Auckland, who, calling himself an Israelite, used to preach in the open on Sundays. In those days, there was no steam transit, and it took from three to nine months to g-o from New Zealand to England, or vice versa. The preacher stated one Sunday that the time would come when it would be possible to go from New Zealand to England in 14 days. He added that some of the young people round him would live to see it achieved. Mr. Morris stated that, as a twelve-year-old boy, he heard the prophecy uttered, and it had made such an impression on his mind that he had remembered it ever since.

Mr. Morris has experienced many interesting episodes m the history and growth of the Dominion. He was born in Wellington in 1641, his father having been ono of the original New Zealand Company settlers. In 1848, after the severe earthquake in Wellington, his parents removed to Auckland, where Mr. Morris spent the greater part of his boyhood. He learnt joinery work, and was engaged in the building trade. He was interested in the volunteer movement, and was one of the founders of tfie old Victoria Company. While with that company he formed one of a guard of honor when a flag captured at Waitara by a warship was presented to the then Governor, Colonel Thomas Gore Brown. Mr. Morris left Auckland to take part in the Gabriel’s Gully gold rush in 1861. He afterwards lived in Dunedin, and later in Christchurch. In 1862 he revisited Auckland, and . during the trip to and from Dunedin visited Napier, Taranaki, and Nelson. He thus saw many parts of the country in the earliest stages of settlement, and can speak of the subsequent marvellous progress with a full appreciation of its scope. Mr. Morris is in Auckland on a brief visit. He returns periodically to the place where his early boyhood was spent.