National Celebrations at Tahiti.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, July 15.

H.M.S. DIOMEDE arrived here on July 13, just in time to participate in the French National Festivities, which commenced the same evening with a torchlight procession and other events.

A squad of marines came ashore on the morning of the 14th to be present at the official ceremony, which took place at the monument to the local soldiers who fell in the Great War.

The festivities are still proceeding.

They will close officially at daybreak on Monday, July 18.

His Lordship, Bishop Kempthorne, also arrived on the “Diomede” upon one of his periodical visits to this remote end of his widespread diocese; he will hold an English service on Sunday in the French Protestant Church,

Function At American Con

Sulate.

A successful and well-attended party was given by Major and Mrs. Garrety at the American Consulate on July 4, in celebration of the declaration of In dependence. Naturally, the majority of those present were Americans, of whom there are over 200 resident in the col ony, but there was a fair sprinkling of British and other nationalities, and the French official element was well repre sented, including His Excellency, Gov ernor Bouchet.

Notwithstanding the absence of in toxicating refreshment, which, of course, could not be permitted on Am erican soil, even in wide open Papeete, the function was a very happy and memorable one.