At one time he had been in the neighbourhood of £9,000,000 but in his lifetime he gave away the difference between the two sums to his first wife, when she divorced him, and to his brother Cornelius.
The latter had been left a comparatively small legacy by his father because he married against his parent's wishes. All the members of the family united to make the legacy of Cornelius equal to that of the other children, and to this purpose Alfred Vanderbilt donated £1,120,000.
The second wife and widow of Alfred Vanderbilt receives about £1,600,000 under the will. She is one of the most beautiful women in America. Before her marriage to Mr Vanderbilt she was the wife of Dr Smith H. McKim, of Philadelphia.
She and Mr Vanderbilt became infatuated with each other. Both were married at the time. Two divorces were necessary to clear the way to their union.
Liberal provision is made in the will for the children of both marriages, but the second family get somewhat the larger share. There is no bequest in the will to any religious, charitable, or educational establishment.
• ''Eye witness'' at the British headquarters states: ''During intervals in the major operations the Germans are again using engines for throwing burning liquid against the French.
''Instructions issued to the German army dated October show that the Germans contemplated the employment of these early in the war. The apparatus, which is strapped to a man's back, consists of a steel cylinder containing oil and compressed air in separate chambers.
''The latter consist of suitable lengths of metal pipe, fitted with universal joints and a nozzle capable of rotation in any direction.
''When the valve is turned on the air pressure forces the oil out of the nozzle in a fine spray for 20 yards. The oil ignites automatically at the mouth, and the nozzle continues to issue a sheet of flame until the supply is exhausted.''
• At the meeting of the Port Chalmers Borough Council last evening, Cr Isbister moved:- ''That, in accordance with the wishes of his Majesty the King, that no intoxicating liquors be used at his table during the war, this council resolves to dispense with alcoholic liquors at any public function in connection with the borough during the war.''
Cr Anderson seconded the motion, which was carried.
- ODT, 6.7.1915.
