Expedition to the sub-antarctic islands

Dr C. Coleridge Farr and Mr H. E. Skey, the magnetic observers who went with the scientific expedition to the sub-antarctic islands, draw attention to a very serious question (says the Lyttelton Times).

"There have been no fewer than eight vessels wrecked on the Auckland Islands," they say; "and the present charts of those islands are by no means accurate in details.

It would seem, therefore, that, in view of the recent horror of the wreck of the Dundonald, with considerable loss of life and great hardship to the survivors, an exact survey of the islands should be made, in order to correct existing inaccuracies in the chart.

When the Government of New Zealand, some years ago, instituted a survey of the Snares Islands, with a view to the selection of a site for a possible lighthouse, it was found that the resulting plan of the islands in no way resembled that shown on the old Admiralty chart.

The latter has, of course, since been amended, but we are able to state that a careful survey of the Auckland Islands would reveal similar discrepancies."

Dr Chilton, the editor of the reports, dealing with the same subject, says: - "In view of these facts, it is highly desirable, both in the interests of science and humanity, that a careful re-survey of the Auckland Islands should be made, in order to correct any inaccuracies in the Admiralty charts that may exist, similar to those that were found some years ago in the case of the Snares Island."

The Grafton bridge, spanning the deep Cemetery Gully and connecting Symonds Street with Grafton Road, has now nearly reached completion.

The bridge is being asphalted, and this should be finished in a fortnight's time, as should also the electric lighting, which is being installed by the City Council.

The Grafton approach has been finished off with tarred macadam, and the footpaths will be treated in the same manner.

The bridge should be formally opened before the end of the month.

At the Symonds Street end the City Council is erecting an up-to-date brick shelter, with public conveniences, and this also is rapidly reaching completion.

When the bridge is opened it will afford a short cut for traffic and pedestrians to the Domain and also the hospital.

- ODT, 11.4.1910.