FANNING ISLAND

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2084, 9 January 1908, Page 3

FANNING ISLAND

THE RECENT SALE. Special to Times. WELLINGTON, January 8. Air. Humphrey Berkeley, well-known ill connection with Fijian affairs, is in Wellington to-day. He has conic on business connected with his estate ol Fanning Island. The sale of this island to Father Rougier, lie says, was only one as agent. Some people read into the sale an astute political move by France to secure possession of a place of some strategical importance, but nothing could be further from the fact than that belief. The true position was that there had been litigation over the island and when the courts ascertained the respective interests of the parties and given its judgment, Air. Berkeley put the island tip for sale. As he could not very well be buyer and seller too, he got Father Rougier (an intimate friend of his) to mako the bid, which secured the island for Air. Berkeley. There are largo deposits of phosphates of lime on Fanning Island and Air. Berkeley’s visit to Wellington -is partly clue to a desire to establish contracts in New Zealand for the supply of the articlo to wholesale houses here. Ho will leave Wellington again in a few days and after a short stay at Sydney and Fanning Island ho will go to England for a prolonged stay.

REPORT OF SALE CONFIRAIED. SETTLERS AY ANTED. United Press Association —Copyright (Received January S, 10.20 p.m.) LONDON, January 8. Confirmation lias been received that Father Rougier, head of the Alarist Alissions in Suva has purchased Fanning Island. The Pacific Cable Board think it would be advantagous if Father Rougier sent settlers to the island.

SOVEREIGNTY NOT AFFECTED. Press Association. AA’ELLINGTON, Jan. 8. In reference to the cable message from London regarding the sale of Fanning Island Air. Humphrey Berkeley, who arrived in AVellington from Sydney to-day, explained to a New Zealand Times representative that Father Rougier purchased Fanning and Washington Islands for him. Mr. Berkeley was formerly owner of half of the islands and now possesses tho whole of them, with the exception of the portion on which the cable station is built-. Tlio sovereignty of the islands is not affected through Father Rougier figuring in the sale, for though a Frenchman by birth he is a naturalised British subject. For personal reasons Air. Berkeley got Father Rougier, who is n. great personal friend, to buy the islands for him.