Events In New Caledonia

From Our Own Correspondent.

AN official notification in the Gov ernment Gazette draws attention to the fact that foreign lotteries are not permitted either in France or in French colonies, and this includes the solicitation of the sale of tickets and to the subscribing of funds gen erally to such lotteries.

Another announcement in the Gov ernment Gazette formally sets out that New Caledonia is no longer a penal settlement. As, however, the transpor tation of convicts from France ceased in 1894 the decree is apparently an official notification only.

Coastal Service.

The Loyalty—formerly known as the St. Michel—has now been completely repaired and put into service on the coast. It is a stout little craft and is considered to be better suited for its work than its predecessor, the Atalai.

Bank Of Indo-China

As a result of the new law, renewing the privilege of this bank, discount rates have been revised as follows: 6 per cent, for advances up to 3 months, with 3 approved guarantors; 6 per cent, for advances secured by French Government and local author ity bonds, up to 80 per cent, of their value; 7 per cent, for advances made on the security of export bond war rants.

For other advances made on securi ties not specified above, the rate there on is from 6 per cent, to 9 per cent., according to the nature of the advance and the security offered.

Governor At New Hebrides

The Governor of New Caledonia and Dependencies, M. Guyon, recently made an extensive tour, over a period of nearly a month, throughout the New Hebrides.

The visit was carried out on the St.

Andre, and on M. Guyon’s return to Noumea this popular official received a warm welcome from a large gathering of officials and citizens.

Personal.

The wedding took place recently at the Noumea Cathedral of Mademoiselle

Gratiennebrun with Monsieur J. Dela house, the doctor on the Laperouse.

Mr. W. B. Rainsford, chartered ac countant, is expected by the next La perouse, on a business visit from Syd ney.

Monsieur and Madame Max Brun inghausen are at present holidaying in the Colony. Madame Bruninghausen was Miss Louisette Dezarnaulds of Sydney.

Boy Scouts.

The Boy Scout movement has been represented at Noumea for some con siderable time by a strong troop under the leadership of the scoutmaster, Mon sieur Henri Meyer. The troop recently gave a display which was very well received.

The scout movement counts a num ber of adherents in France and is also popular throughout the French colon ies. It would be interesting if troops could be formed in other centres in the Pacific and eventually a combined gathering of island troops held, irre spective of nationality.

Stabilisation Of Cattle

Prices.

A movement has been instituted by pastoralists to stabilise the price of meat, so that a better return will be assured to pastoralists.

It is generally considered that the supply at present exceeds the demand, and it will be interesting to see whether pastoralists can get together solidly with a view to maintaining a price level. Indications are at present that prices are rather on the down ward grade.

Colonial Exhibition.

The large exhibition of French colonial activities instituted at Paris is attracting a good deal of attention and has been well sup ported by the different constituent parts of the French Colonial Empire. New Caledonia is well represented at the exhibition, and it is anticipated that a good deal of publicity and interest in the Colony will result from its participation.

Fiftieth Anniversary Of

Education.

The celebrations in connection with this anniversary were a great success, and it is

estimated that no less than 1,250 children took part in the procession which marched through the streets of Noumea.

In the evening a largely attended dinner was held at the Hotel Grand Central, when the Governor occupied the place of honour.

Lighting Of The Coast.

A commission has been formed by the Gov ernor to go into the question of increasing the lighting facilities along the coasts of New Caledonia. It is considered that a good deal of work is necessary in this direction, and it is felt that the commission will present a useful report with a view to carrying out such work as is required. Money will be provided from the first instalment of the large loan now being negotiated for the Colony in France.

Resident Commissioner For

The New Hebrides.

M. Carlotti recently passed through Nou mea on his way to Vila to take up his post as the French Resident Commissioner for the New Hebrides. During his stay at Noumea he was the guest of honour at a dinner, which was also attended by the Governor and Mesdemoiselles Guyon.

M. Carlotti, who is a Corsican, was sur rounded by many of his compatriots, and it was the local Association of Corsicans which organised the reception.

Japanese Consul-General.

The Japanese Consul-General for Australia has visited New Caledonia, in order to go into Japanese affairs generally in the Colony.

There are more than 1,000 Japanese citizens in New Caledonia, and they constitute an important section of the community.