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Sir George Grey Lured by the Lake.

Here comes in the story of the hilly wooded island which is the most conspicuous object in the landscape, opposite the old homestead and the boathouse. Sir George Grey, who had a curiously strong desire to buy a New Zealand island for a home, once endeavoured to purchase Papaitonga and its surroundings, attracted by the beauty of the lake and island. He had tried to purchase Kapiti Island, but without success, and also Mokoia Island, in Lake Rotorua. Eventually he bought Kawau Island, in the Hauraki Gulf. After Grey's time several Governors, and others, negotiated for Papaitonga in vain. In 1891 Dr. Buller acquired the property, about 1,300 acres, and here he made his home in a delightful sylvan solitude.