AN ISLAND KINGDOM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 48, 15 February 1908, Page 4

AN ISLAND KINGDOM.

The following description was written ; some time ago concerning Motntapa. the island owned by Ml. James Keid. who died recently: The Motutapu Island, the name of which, in the Maori language, means " sacred island,'- is situated in the Hauraki Culf, within a few miles of Auckland; it is one of the most lovely o5 the many beautiful islands wiich dot the seascape, and add inwrti" attracti-m to the Auckland, liaernoVr. It comprises 3*oo acre?.-ti"l "the most ter'-ito. soil, and U-wrflented with bays. accessiiu?»»s« g Ji states 0 f the tide. The best knownio* tbein is Home Hay, which possesses a I line jetty, at which -teainers of larje j

size can lie in perfect safety in all weathers. Motutapu is n prrfi'-ct paridisc tn the lovers of -port. ~s it abounds with fallow deer, wallabic*, emus, buffaloes, land birds, ami water fowl, dear to the sportsman's heart. The island lK>-se.sc-s an exquisite climate, seldom disturbed by boisterous winds or otlrr roysterers. In addition to tile large iiumlier of game it carrier for its owner, Motutapu depastures between 4000 and S<KW sheep, 31X1 head of well-bred cattle, and aliont 50 horses, and these are all eagerly sought after by buyers. Communication with Auckland is' most convenient, as •iteamlnai* ply several times a week between the city and the island. -Motutapu was originally purchased bv the late Mr. Robert (i'raliani. who. in ISOn. disposed of his interest of several hundred acres to Messrs. Iteid Bros., and the remaining portion was purchased at the iiiic time from the Messrs. Maxwell Bros., who were part owners. The i-land was then in its native state, but the energy of Messrs. Reid Bros, soon converted the ti-tree and scrub-covered hills to a fertile pastoral paradise.