TUAMOTU ISLAND AND TRAMLINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 825, 25 February 1903, Page 2

TUAMOTU ISLAND AND TRAMLINE.

An old-time memory was brought up at the Harbor Board yesterday. Captain Tucker mentioned that some years ago the Board by proclamation had taken a line for railway and also Tuamotu Island. He believed the line had been vested in

the Board but not paid for, as after going through various stages and to arbitration the purchase had never been carried into effect. The Board had endeavored to divest themselves both of the railway line and tho island, but he believed ineffectively, though the claimants were apparently satisfied with the reply that they did not intend going on with the purchase. What he proposed was that they should seek to complete the purchase of the island at the price fixed, £lO per acre. He believed there had been no legal abandonment. The area was about eight acres.

The Chairman said he could not remember aDy proclamation as to the island, but Captain Tucker said that he had a distinct recollection of seeing it. On the motion of Mr Sievwright. the matter was referred to the Finance Committee to obtain information, the members generally favoring completing the purchase. The Chairman said his recollection was that Mr Harris had said the Natives refused to sell the island owing to there being a burial ground on it, and the works being stopped at the time the Board had not proceeded further in the matter. It was also resolved that the Committee should obtain information as to the railway line, Mr Hepburn saying they should also take that at the price if they could get it.