The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Costley, Edward
Costley, Edward, claims a place among the notable colonists of New Zealand, not through any remarkable act which distinguished his long life, but because of his deathbed philanthropy. He was known among the "old identities" of Auckland as a man of rather penurious and retiring habits, who had acquired property in the early days, which, with the growth of the city, had become of great value. On his deathbed he summoned his lawyer, and directed him to divide his wealth among the city charities, seven of these being named. The estate realised £93,000, which was divided between the Auckland Hospital, Old Men's Home, Sailors' Home, Auckland Institute, Costley Training Institute, Auckland Public Library, and the Parnell Orphan Home, each of which received £12,500. Since Mr. Costley's death an unsigned draft will has come to light which showed that he had long contemplated the application of his wealth to charitable purposes. He died on April 17th, 1883.