JAPS WANT HIS ISLAND

Evening Star, Issue 18045, 12 August 1922, Page 3

JAPS WANT HIS ISLAND

AUCKLAND BANKRUPT'S STATEMENT. A statement that the Japanese Government had negotiated with -him for the purchase of Kawau Island was made on oath at Auckland by Andrew Joseph Farmer (who owns a portion of the island, and formerly owned tho whole of it) at a meeting of his creditors. Bankrupt was being nuestioned by Mr Mackay, who appeared'for a creditor, regarding his estimate of £25,000 as the value of the mineral rights. He said tho best oiler ho had received for them was £IOO,OOO from a London firm. Mr Mackay: In cash? Bankrupt: I will not say that; £25,000 was to be paid in cash. Asked why he did not accept tho offer, bankrupt said lie was negotiating at tho time for the sale of the island at a bigger figure. Mr Mackay ; Who was it you were negotiating with? Bankrupt; The Japanese Government. Mr Mackay: What did the Japanese Government want it for? A naval station ? Bankrupt: Don’t ask silly questions. Mr Mackay. Well, tell us when this was. Bankrupt: I cannot say exactly. Mr Mackay: Was it during the war? Bankrupt: Of course it was. Mr Mackay: Did you tell Messrs Hammond and Cracknell (formerly bankrupt's solicitors) about the offer from tho Japanese Government? Bankrupt: Yes. There is one letter written by Messrs Hammond and Cracknell about it: Mb Mackay: Have you got any letters from the Japanese Government? Bankrupt: Yes. Air Mackay : Very well. You can give them to the Official Assignee. They will be interesting. [Kawau is An island four miles long and wide, formerly famous as the homo of Sir George Grey.]