WHITE ISLAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2138, 13 March 1908, Page 1

WHITE ISLAND.

PURCHASE BY THE GOVERNMENT ADVOCATED.

The purchase by the Government of .White Island, in the Bay of Plenty, one of tho wonderful thermal sights of the Dominion is advocated by the Opotiki A. and P. Association. The secretary, in a letter to an exchange, stated that excursions had been run from Opotiki to White Island every year for many years. The island was at present owned by Mr Andrew Gray, of AVellington. Possessing attractions of a thermal nature rivalling, if not excelling, those of Rotorua, the island should be owned by the State, and, if more than local interest could be aroused, there was a hope that, tlie Government might eventually purchase it; whereas at present there was a grave danger of the property passing into the hands of foreigners, when it would be 'lost to the Dominion, not only as an important commercial asset, but as an attraction of more than ordinary interest to sightseers from all parts of tlio world. White Island lias an area of 588 acres and possesses sulphur deposits valued in 1885 by Air AlcCandisli, railway engineer, at over £50,000. It is not an agricultural spot, but is decidedly thermal, and possesses iust a sufficient element of danger to" those acquainted with its peculiarities to make it attractive. The question of the Government purchasing, the island was discussed in Air Seddon’s time, and a sum of £SOOO was asked by the owner, Air. Gray.' Air Donne, however, subsequently got. the price _ reduced to £3500, at which figure it now stands. Air Gr ay, it is said, docs not desire to sell. .The.island is part of New Zealand’s possessions, and therefore could not become nationally alienated. -