BEAUTIFUL KERI KERI

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 277, 13 February 1928, Page 9

BEAUTIFUL KERI KERI

AN IDEAL SETTLEMENT OVERSEAS INVESTORS IMPRESSED A new settlement that is attracting a great deal of attention in North Auckland at present is the district being developed by the North Auckland Land Development Corporation, Ltd., under the name of the Alderton Group at Keri Keri. The greatest charm of this delightful district is the regular rainfall, which has the twofold effect of keeping vegetation green and fresh, and maintaining a constant, congenial temperature. Keri Keri is one of the few spots in Auckland province at present that can show crops, emerald green, as in mid-spring. In February it has had five consecutive days * of light growing rains, and on Sunday there was a downpour ensuring a heavy crop of maize and seed potatoes. The plantations have also benefited greatly by the showers. Many visitors from overseas have seen the settlement, and have been greatly impressed with the possibilities of the land. As a result, sales to the value of £IO,OOO were reported last week. The most noteworthy purchaser was Mr. -Edward Little, who occupies an important position in Anglo-Chinese finance. Mr. Little was persuaded to view the proposed residential area by a director of the North Auckland Land Development Co-operation, Ltd., who wished him to carry his opinion of the scheme back to the English residents in China. A number of residential sites of 130 acres total area, have been taken by Mr. Little, and, as he has held similar land in California and South Africa, his extensive purchases well express his confidence in it. Writing to Mr. Alderton, after whom the settlement is named, Mr. Little says: “I am longing to get back to Keri Keri, and shall be only too glad to assist you in any way I possibly can to develop the estate and make it the finest thing not only in New Zealand, but in the Southern Hemisphere. I have a big idea of the possibilities of the whole place, and once it gets known we can attract the best kind of settler there. You have started a splendid scheme meriting full success.”

Mr. Little, who is manager of the Brunner Mond Company in China, is an energetic organiser and possesses a striking personality. He should be an acquisition to the Dominion. Charmed by th eluxiiriant vegetation and the waters of the Keri Keri inlet, immediately beneath the settlement. Captain Edkins and Mr. Duncan, of Wellington, and Mr. Colyn Coryton, of Moreton Morel!, England, also made purchases last week.