ISLAND PROJECT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 132, 5 June 1937, Page 10

ISLAND PROJECT

AUCKLAND SYNDICATE

STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF LANDS

The following statement was issued today by the Minister of Lands (the Hon. F. Langstone):

"It has come to my knowledge that a syndicate is being formed in Auckland known as the '■ Kermadec Development Syndicate.. According to the circular issued, the syndicate is offering shares at £40 each. Each share entitles the ownqr to four acres of land in his own right, and it is anticipated that it will take from three to six months for the members to get ready and to get the syndicate in working order. It is proposed to allow members to pay £20 on joining up, and the balance at the rate of £2 a month. In the event of the full number of members having been obtained, it is anticipated that there will be sufficient funds available to pay for the charter of a vessel, so providing free transport for the members. The managing committee, on behalf of the Kermadec Development Syndicate, will give a certificate of title to each section of land and issue a membership card.

"As. Minister of Lands I wish to discourage any person from investing in this enterprise. Sunday Island comprises 7200 acres, of which 275 acres is freehold. I do not know how the syndicate proposes to give separate titles for the subdivision of the freehold, but presumably it will arrange for any necessary survey and registration of subdivisional plans, etc.

"There is no harbour or access to the island other than by small boats, and even they have great difficulty in landing passengers and goods on the beach. There is very little chance of direct communication being established between Auckland and Sunday Island, and it will be seen, therefore, that there would be no opportunity of marketing any produce which might be grown there. The Government has sufficient problems to face in providing access to New Zealand settlers situated a relatively short distance from railways and harbours. Sunday Island is 600 miles from Auckland, and it would be unfair to allow the prospective settlers to think that communication would be made on their:behalf by the Government. In the event of any sickness- or outbreak of epidemic disease on the island the Government would be forced to find ways and means of. transporting the people "affected. This would be most unfair to the general taxpayers of New Zealand, who should not be expected to meet situations of this sort simply because some people want to plant themselves, or others, in such an outlandish place as Sunday Island.

"I trust that those who purpose investing money in this venture will give full consideration to the facts and disabilities I have referred- to."