New Caledonian Notes

From Our Own Correspondent.

NOUMEA, December 27.

ARMISTICE Day was celebrated in a true French manner at Noumea.

The festivities were organised by the local Association of Returned Soldiers, and there were sporting fixtures, including bi cycle racing, cross-country running, basket ball and other attractions. Large numbers of people attended the various functions, and everything passed off very successfully. Review of troops took place in the morning in the Square, where the war monument is located; decorations were presented, and an aeroplane circled round overhead, dropping small tokens in the French colours.

Savings Bank

People making deposits in the Government Savings Bank have been notified that the maximum amount which they can lodge to their credit has been now increased to 20,000 francs. The interest rate is 3½ per cent.

Exchange Rate

The Bank of Indo-Chine has been quoting selling rates for English and Australian pounds at approximately 96 and 79 francs respectively.

Agricultural Exhibition

On Armistice Day a successful agricultural exhibition was held at Canala. Monsieur Bonnard was president of the judging com mittee and the exhibits, particularly the coffee, were numerous and of a high stan dard. There were a number of prize-winners, including: M. Cherrier, Mme. J. Loquet, Messrs. H. David, Arthur Fere, Cl. Persan, L.

Page and Lacout.

Art Exhibition

A very interesting exhibition was recently organised at Noumea, when a large array of exhibits was displayed. The exhibition con sisted of paintings, sketches, sculpture, em broidery, needlework and other exhibits, and the skill, application and industry of the French people, and incidentally the Italians, was very much in evidence. It is hoped that these exhibitions will take place from time to time.