KAWAU ISLAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2467, 15 August 1922, Page 4

KAWAU ISLAND.

JAPANESE OFFER TO PURCHASE. STATEMENT BY BANKRUPT. AUCKLAND, Aug. 11. The statement that the Japanese Government had negotiated with him for the purchase of Kawau Island was made on oath by Mr Andrew Joseph Farmer, who owns portion of the island and formerly owned the whole of it, at a meeting of his creditors. Bankrupt was being questioned by Mr Mackay, who appeared for a creditor, regarding his estimate of £25,000 as the value of the mineral rights over the island, and he said the best offer he had received for them was £IOO.OOO from a London firm. Mr Mackay: In cash? Bankrupt: I will not sav ilini ; £25.000 was to bo paid in cash. On being asked why he did not accept, the offer, bankrupt said he was negotiating at the time for the sale of the island at a bigger figure. Mr Mackay: Who was it you were negotiating with ? Bankrupt: The Japanese Government. “What did tho Japanese Government want it for a naval station?” “Don’t ask a silly question “Well, tell us when this was.” “I cannot say exactly.” “Was it during the war?” “Of course it was!” “Did you tell Hammond and Cracknell (formerly bankrupt’s solicitors) about this offer from the Japanese Government?” “Yes, there is one letter written by Hammond and Cracknell about it.” “Have you got any letters from the Japanese Government?” “Yes.” “Very well, you can give them to the Official Assignee; they will be interesting. ’