MINISTER’S STATEMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 159, 7 June 1937, Page 2

MINISTER’S STATEMENT.

KERMADEC SYNDICATE. SUNDAY ISLAND AREA. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 5. The following statement was issued to-day by Hon. F. Lang-stone (Minister of Lands): —“It has come to m.v 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 £4O each. Each share entitles tlie owner to four acres of land in his own right and it is anticipated that it will take from three to six months for members to get ready and to get the syndicate in working order. It is proposed to allow members £2O on joining up and the balance at the rate of £2 a month.

“In the event of a full number of members having been obtained, it is anticipated that there will be sufficient funds available to pay for tlie charter of a vessel, so providing free transport for members. The managing committee, on behalf of the Kermadec Development Syndicate, will give a certificate of title to each section of land and will 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 subdivisions of the freehold, but presumably it will arrange for any necessary survey and registration of subdivisional plans, etc.

“There is no harbour or accesj fo the island other than by small boats, and even they have great difficulty in landing passengers and goods on tho bench. There is very little chance of direct communication being established between Auckland and Sunday island; it will be seen, therefore, tliat there would he 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 prospective settlers to think that communication would be made on their behalf bv the Government.

In the event of any sickness or outbreak of eoidemir Cisease 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 jreople want to plant themselves or others in so outlandish a place as Sunday Island. “I trust that those who purpose investing money in this venture will give full consideiation to the facts and tho disabilities that I have referred to.”