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Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1908, 2 December 1874, Page 3

We have every reason to believe that White Island hitherto an almost sealed book to both Euiopeaiis aud natives, wi'l ere long, become the basis of an industry of great importance. Dr. Hoclistetter includes White Island in the L'.ke country. He defines the . Hot Spring Country as commencing at the northern base of Huapehu and Tongariro mountains, at the southern end of Lake Taupo, and thence extending in a north-easterly direction for a distance of 150, miles to White Island. The island abounds in immense deposits of sulphur, aud has a large lake in the centre: fresh deposits were found on the occasion of the last trip of the steamer. It is this inexhaustible supply of sulphur which will cause tlia new industry. The island was purchased a few months ago by Messrs J. A, Wilson and William Kelly, M.f1.1t,, from the representatives of the late Mr Tapsell. They leased it to Messrs Stewart and Appleby of -Auckland, but owing to these parties not having fulfilled the conditions of the lease, a re-entry has been made. The agent of a large and wealthy chemical firm in England of undoubted position is' in treaty with Messrs Wilson aid Kelly for the lease of the island, and there is no doubt whatever, that if the negotiations are perfected, the firm will go into the speculation with energy and do the thing properly. Tauranga will probably be selcet'd as the depOt for the operations of the company, and the moat likely spot chosen would be Monganui. The company would have a steamer running between the dep6t and the island, and slnp the sulphur direct to Loudon, thus saviug both the tiuio and expense of; sending it to Auckland for transhipment. The beuelits accruing to. Tauranga from an institution of this kind are so apparent as to need no remarks. We understand that the agent will shortly visit the island for the purpose of judging of its capabilities for himself, and we hope it will answer his expectations, and that before long, ihe establishment of chemical works will bo uu fait accompli."— It. P. Times.