Edward Costley

Edward Costley (1794 – April 1883)^[1] was a New Zealand philanthropist.^[2]

Costley was born in Ireland to John and Anne Costley.^[1] Costley 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.^[2] On his deathbed he summoned his lawyer, and directed him to divide his wealth among the city charities, seven of these being named.^[2] 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.^[2] Since 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 17^[2] or 18^[1] April 1883.

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