KAWAU ISLAND

Evening Star, Issue 18375, 8 September 1923, Page 8

KAWAU ISLAND

MANSION HOUSE PROPERTY, The Mansion House property at Kaw.au Island, which has had many owners since tho .island was purchased by Sir George Grey over seventy years ago, lias again changed hands (states the ‘ Post’s ’ Auckland correspondent). The now proprietor is Mr L. G. Reeves, of Auckland, who intends to continue the use of tho property as a marine holiday resort. Kawan was purchased by Sir George Grey in 1852 from the company that had been conducting copper mining there for some time. At Mansion House Bay Sir George made his beautiful island homo, which, with its many treasures and its picturesque surroundings, attracted the attention of distinguished visitors from all parts ot the world. Mansion House was erected by Sir George, and was considerably enlarged by Mr James Thomson, to whom the island and residence were sold for £12,000 over twenty years ago. Mr Thomson subsequently sold the property to Mrs Buxton, of Melbourne, lor £28.000. The grounds were planted by .Sir George Grey with one of the most varied and complete collection ot trees in tho world. Twenty years ago the property was again sold to an unnamed speculator, and later it was acquired by Air A. J. Fanner. The portion of the island included in the Mansion House properly is 106 acres. The figure at which it has just changed hands lias not been disclosed.

Kawau as the home of Sir George Grey has many interesting associations. It was there that Sir George Grey welcomed the late Duke of Edinburgh, uncle of King George V., when he came to New Zealand in the Galatea over fifty years ago, and renewed n friendship commenced several years earlier in England and in South Africa. It was there also that the Maori “ King ” Tawhiao, who was about to proceed to England, went to seek advice of Sir George as to certain matters. The latter, knowing the weakness of his visitor, agreed to become a total abstainer in order to prevail upon Tawhiao to do the' same. The “King's” word was pledged and loyally kept throughout his visit" to Britain. It was likewise, from Kawau that in 1880 Sir George wrote the lengthy letter of advice to King Maieton of Samoa in connection with his dispute with Germany.