News From New Caledonia

From Our Own Correspondent.

NOUMEA, November 4.

THE export tax on copra exported from Wallis and Futuna Is lands, has been increased as from September 1, 1931, to 62 francs per ton, or 10/- sterling. The old rate was 12.50 francs per ton, or 10/sterling. It will be seen that an anom aly has been rectified.

Government Officials On

Leave

It was recently announced in the Conseil-General that no less than 30 Government officials were on leave at the present time in France.

Although the actual cost of main taining them abroad is not available, it makes one think that some effort should be made to reduce expense of this nature by increasing the percent age of New Caledonians employed in

the Government service, and also insisting on holidays being taken either in New Caledonia, Australia or some of the neighbouring Pacific Is lands.

Loan From Paris

There has, unfortunately, been a delay in receipt of the first instalment of the big loan to be accorded by the French Government to the Colony.

Cables sent to Paris, asking for the money to be made available, have not so far received a reply.

It was anticipated making a start with the work on the Baie de la Mos elle on the first of October, and by this means solve the local unem ployment problem. Unfortunately, this object has not yet been achieved.

On the recommendation of the Gov ernor of New Caledonia, Monsieur

Henri Segaert, Consul-General for Belgium, at Sydney, has been awarded the decoration of Commander of the Order of the Dragon of Annam.

Paris Colonial Exhibition

In view of rumours having been circulated that the New Caledonian natives now taking part in the Col onial Exhibition at Paris were not receiving fair treatment, the Governor took the matter up with Paris.

As the result of the inquiries made it would appear that, generally speak ing, the natives are satisfied wdth their treatment and are actively taking part in this great French Colonial demon stration. The few who are not satis fied with conditions at Paris will probably be repatriated this month.

New Caledonia’S Anniversary

September 24, 1931, was the 78th anniversary of the taking of pos session by France of New Caledonia.

The usual celebrations took place.

The attendances were rather less than usual, although the various functions were favoured with very fine weather.

The gymnastic society gave a good demonstration and during the morn ing ten crack riders took part in the bicycle race. There was also foot racing and public games in the square.

The Fanfare Scolaire gave a concert in the evening.

The celebrations on the following days, Saturday and Sunday, included a football match, a ball at the Town Hall, and also a large party for the children.

Legion Of Honour

The popular Mayor of Noumea, Monsieur Vernier, was recently decor ated by the French Government as a chevalier of the Legion of Honour, and in this connection has been re ceiving congratulations from his num erous friends.

Nickel Exports

For the half year ended 30th June, 1931, the exports totalled 2,832 tons as against 3,337 tons for the first half of 1930. In all 925 tons were shipped during the month of July last.

Visit Of The “Canberra”

Last month, Noumea received a visit from the Australian warship, “Canberra,” with Commodore Hol brook on board.

The Municipality and local citizens were at great pains to make the visit of the Australian sailors an enjoyable one and social functions of all kinds were arranged. The navy men had a splendid time and enjoyed their stay ashore enormously. Included in the sports were several games of football.

The Noumea players were too good for the visitors.

Chrome Exports

During the half year ended 30th June, 1931, 17,798 tons of chrome ore were exported as compared with the total of 19,289 tons for the first six months of 1930.

Bourail Races.

These races took place on the last Sunday in October and were favoured with good weather, a large gathering and good racing. The Governor and his daughter, Mademoiselle Guyon, were present, together with members of the Conseil General and other well known citizens.

The leading events were all captur ed by horses from the New Caledon ian Meat Co. Ltd., the Grand Prix and Vitesse races being won by Mueo.

The Andromede.

News has been received from France that this ship, which has been well known on the line from France to New Caledonia and belonging to Messageries Maritimes, has been sold into foreign hands and will no longer be seen in the Colony.

Lands Commission.

The Lands Commission recently car ried out a tour of inspection along the west coast. The Commission con sisted of Messieurs Barot, Chief of the Lands Department, Verges, veter inary officer, Paladini, of the Con seil General, and Lafleur, represent ing the Returned Soldiers’ Associa tion. The tour of inspection covered approximately one week, and a good deal of useful work was done by those taking part.

Economy Commission.

The Governor has instituted a com mission to go into the question of the possibility of making economies in the administration of the Colony.

The following have been appointed members of the commission: Messrs.

The Secretary General (President), Deros, Poupon, Cane, Reverce, Varin, Dupont and de la Vaissiere.