French Oceania
p. 14 · Read in the full issue
Jubilee of Annexation
From Our Own Correspondent
Papeete, June 8.
THIS year marks the 50th anniver sary of an important historic event in the annals of Tahiti — namely, the formal annexation to France of King Pomare V.’s ancient kingdom and its dependencies, which embraced a considerable portion of what is now known as French Oceania.
The French flag was first hoisted in 1844 by Capt. Bruat, who thereby took possession in the name of Louis Phil lippe, King of France. From then on to 1880, when the Islands received the status of a Colony and the inhabitants were granted full citizenship, they were governed by a naval administration.
To commemorate this anniversary, a more than usually ambitious pro gramme has been projected for the customary celebrations on July 14. In addition to the usual dancing and sing ing competitions, in which all the dis tricts will compete, there is to be a fireworks display and a flower carnival.
Doubtless, the natives will turn up in force, in spite of hard times and have some money to spend on their own enjoyment—though how they do it is one of Tahiti’s outstanding mys teries.
The festivities are expected to coin cide with the arrival of H.M.S. Diomede which will add something to the at tractions and incidentally bring a few extra shekels into Papeete. The French warship, Bellatrix, is also in port, having recently returned from the home station with a new personnel, so it may be expected that the festivi ties will meet with a fair amount of success.