MOTUIHI ISLAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 779, 27 September 1929, Page 1

MOTUIHI ISLAND

CITY COUNCIL’S TITLE GOVERNMENT NOT DECIDED Whether the whole of Motuihi Island or only a part is to be vested in the City Council has not yet been decided between the council and the Government, said the Town Clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, this morning. Mr. Brigham remarked that it had been understood from pronouncements by the late Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, that the entire island was to be made available for the use of Auckland people as a marine park. There was now some question as to whether the present Government intended to hand the whole island over or retain half as a quarantine station, as used at present. It was expected, however, that a decision would be made shortly, in view of the approach of the summer season.

The island had been fenced last summer to divide the quarantine area from that available to the public and a caretaker appointed to supervise that portion now under the care of the council. To do this the council had to embark upon what was virtually illegal expenditure, Mr. Brigham said. The city now looked to the Government to enact validating legislation. While in Wellington yesterday the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, had conferred with the Minister of Health, the Hon. A. ■T. Stallworthy, who promised to use his efforts toward that end. No difficulties were expected, however.