Big Merger

Four New Hebrides Companies

FOUR big French companies, each owning numerous and valuable plantation properties in New Hebrides, have been merged, and in future will be operated as one concern, under the name of Societe Francaise des Nouv elles Hebrides. They are: Societe des Nouvelles Hebrides, Compagnie General Franco Hebridaise, Compagnie Agricole et Miniere des Nouvelles Hebrides, Compagnie Coloniale de Vale.

Mr. Vigoreux, a well-known resident of Noumea, is the managing director of the new organisation; and the Directeur Technique is M. Pinelli, who has just arrived from France, and who left Sydney for Port Vila by the La perouse last week.

The combined capital of the new concern is 50,000,000 francs. The oper ations at present are devoted mostly to coconuts and cocoa production, but with the low prices ruling for these products, other lines will doubtless be sought.

It is hoped that this re-organisation will be of benefit to Australia, as it is expected to sell considerable por tions of its products here and to pur chase Australian foodstuffs and manu factured goods in return.