New Caledonia

Parliament Opened — Tonkin-

Ese Repatriated — Light For

Noumea

From Our Own Correspondent

Noumea, Sept. 4.

ON 31st August, at 9 a.m., the Governor, Monsieur Guyon, opened the Parliament of New Caledonia.

A guard of honour was provided by a section of infantry.

The Governor, in an able speech, dealt with various aspects of the present economic situation and outlined the activities contemplated to overcome the present difficulties and increase the importance of this French possession, so distant from the mother country.

Trade Figures

The following figures show the downward trend of imports and exports in New Caledonia : Year. Imports frs. .. Exports frs. .. Total frs. 1928 . 160,000,000 .. 99,000,000 .. 259,000,000 1929 . 149,308,000 .. 91,567,000 .. 240,875,000 1930 . 144 722 000 .. 80,898,000 .. 225,620,000

Indentured Labour

The indentured labour employed is steadily falling in numbers, thus reducing the consuming and productive power of the colony.

Since March, 1930, 2,850 Indo-Chinese

(French subjects) have been repatriated, and 1,751 Javanese (Dutch subjects) have returned to their own country making a total of 4,601 coloured employees who have gone away.

The total indentured labour now remaining is 9,934, made up of 4,083 Indo-Chinese and 5,851 Javanese.

Compulsory Liquidation

A winding-up order was granted some little time ago in the matter of the Establissements de Bechade, one of Noumea’s largest trading firms.

A subsequent order by the Commercial Court has now fixed 1st January, 1930, as the date from which the liquidation is to function. The date had been provisionally fixed as 1st July, 1930, but in view of certain matters now brought forward by the liquidators the above order has been made.

“La Fleur D’Oranger”

Two crowded houses witnessed this fascinating comedy, excellently played by enthusiastic amateur artists, in the Grand Theatre.

The artists included Mesdames Menguy and Laubreaux, M’selles Guyon and Verges, and Messieurs Colardeau, Gayon, Rordorf and Beaumont.

Electric Light For Noumea

One of Noumea’s biggest drawbacks has been the poor illumination of the town by a weak gas plant.

The installation of the electricity will be a boon to all, and people will wonder how they managed to exist so long without this modern comfort. The hotels and certain other buildings have their small private plants, but they are really only a “drop in the ocean.”

Good work has been done in connection with the erection of electric light poles in the streets, and the installation of private consumers’ equipment.

It is anticipated that current will be available for dwellings in about three months, although there will probably be further delay in connection with the street lighting.

It is quite possible that the electric lighting of the streets and public places will change the mode of life of the Noumea residents. At present, the streets after dark are lonely and deserted; but the change should bring the people out of doors and make the town a much more cheerful place in the evening than it is at present, and more typically French.

New Breton’S Association

A movement is on foot in Noumea to get together all people who hale from Brittany to form a social club. Residents of Breton descent will also be eligible for membership. ... ===