France’S National

Holiday In New

Hebrides.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Port Vila, July 30.

France’s national day was fittingly observed in the condominium.

Vila.

On the afternoon of July 13 horse races were held at the Mele racecourse, attended by the entire population of Vila at its gayest. During the evening fireworks displays were held at the French Residence and also on board the St.

Andre, a French inter-island steamer anchored in the bay.

During the morning of the 14th (France’s Day) there was a 20 kilometre bicycle race and at 11 a.m. a brilliant reception at the French Residency. After lunch games and different sports were played at the Rossi Sports Ground, and at night the “Grand Ball” was held.

Api.

Owing to the depression caused by the re cent hurricane, the planters on Api did not celebrate the 14th as in past years. The Resi dence of the French Delegue is still in a state of reconstruction.

Santo.

A reception was held at the French Resi dence at Santo and for three days the French and English planters celebrated by holding gay parties, dances, etc., at various plantations at Santo, Aose and Malo.

Malekula.

As the French Delegue was ill, no reception was held at Port Sandwich, but at Norsup the Directeur of the Societe Coloniere des Neuvelles Hebrides invited English and French planters from surrounding plantations to celebrate with dining and dancing at his home, where a very enjoyable evening was spent.