Tahiti News.

New Tourist Hotel.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, Dec, 15.

M. MILES RIVNAK, late proprietor of the Hotel Tiare in Papeete, which he has sold to Mlle. Irene Salmon, has taken up a location near the village of Tautira, on the east coast of the Tiarapu penisula, and intends to open a country hostelry on January 1.

He has chosen what is perhaps the most beautiful site in Tahiti, on the banks of the Tautira river, which at this point is separated from the ocean beach by a sand bar some 50 yards wide, and commands unparalleled views of the rugged mountains of the peninsula as well as of the main island.

There is first class fresh and sea water bathing close to the establish ment, and the hills in the background offer good sport in the way of pig hunting. The river itself abounds in small Tahitian trout or “nato” as the natives call them, which are not only good sporting fish on light tackle, but a welcome addition to any cuisine.

We trust that M. Rivnak will meet with success in his new venture.

Sandalwood Expedition.

It is rumoured on the beach that the small schooner yacht “Valkyrie” (Cap tain Gilling), which has been anchored here for a year or so is about to set out on an expedition to the islands of Henderson, Gene, and Ducie, pros pecting for sandal-wood, etc. We un derstood that this concession had already been granted to a New Zea lander, but in any case we wish Cap tain Gilling and his expedition the best of luck.

Armistice Day Celebrations.

Armistice Day was celebrated in Tahiti with all due ceremony, and a large crowd gathered at the Monument Aux Morts in St. Amelie Avenue, to place wreaths and attend the service.

The day was observed as a public holiday, and the meeting held in the afternoon on the Fautaua racecourse was well attended.