In my novels White Island is a familiar sight to Amy and her family, just as it was to me when I was growing up. It’s a highly active volcano, and today no one lives on the island.
In the early years of the 20th century it was mined for sulphur. On the 10th of September 1914 tragedy struck, when a crater wall collapsed, killing ten miners. Mining recommenced in the late 1920s, but ceased after a few years. Now the island is a scenic reserve.
The tragedy’s only survivor was the mining company’s cat, Peter the Great. He came to live in my home town of Opotiki, the real-life model for Ruatane, and is said to have fathered many kittens there. It’s possible that one or two of the cats who were part of the household during my childhood were among his descendants.
More on the island’s history here.
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Excellent write-up. I certainly love this site.
Thanks!