Tanna Notes.

The French Traders.

From a Special Correspondent.

TANNA, N.H., April 23.

I HAVE just read your special cor respondent’s letter from Vila in the March issue about French traders on this island, and I would call both your and his attention to the in accuracy of his statement.

We have no French traders on the island just at present; but one never knows what wind might bring a few along, as we have had surprises sprung on us before now. Your correspondent may have heard of Monsieur Vincent, who, years ago, did try to settle but got absolutely no support, and, think ing it happened at the present time, he sent you his few lines. M. Vincent, after a few months, sold his building and it is still very useful as a bulk store, right in the centre of commer cial industry at Lenakel.

Low Copra Prices.

Any philanthropic gentleman, no matter his nationality, would gain the support of all the native population if he would only pay about £7 or £8 a ton for copra. Surely it would not be a great thing to expect, considering that the agent for the “Comptoir Francais des Nouvelles Hebrides,” who arrived on the S.S. Bucephale to-day, is buying trader’s copra at the excel lent price of £4/10/- per ton on the beach, and no gratuities, as I write this article.

Comptoir Francais des Nouvelles Hebrides ar e the only French company operating here regularly and their operations are confined to buying copra every two-monthly visit of the S.S. Bucephale, and goods are only freighted to clients when ordered.

Occasionally, a stray French trader pays a visit on smaller vessels for a week or so round the coast, but gen erally he gets very little produce.

Medical Officer.

One of the surprises we got was about a year ago. Dr. Legrosdidier arrived on medical work and also acted as French agent. He was accompanied by his wife but, owing to her ill-health and supported by other medical advice, a transfer was given to him and, much to our regret, he left the island to-day, to take up his new duties under the ‘‘Direction du Service de Sante,’’ Noumea. So just at present we are without a French doctor and agent, but we will not be lonely long, as his successor has already been appointed from France and should arrive here no later than July.

Missionaries.

Another surprise which was handed to us about five weeks ago was the news that a Roman Catholic mis sionary was coming on the S.S. Buce phale to take up residence within easy access of Lenakel. The natives set to with a will and put up a building in double quick time. But he did not arrive as expected. The delay no doubt is only temporary.

The Seventh Day Adventist Mission established a station at Port Resolu tion about a year ago, with Mr. Weil in charge. He certainly is most ener

getic, walking across and around the island, establishing small stations here and there of the hitherto unknown (to the natives) denomination.

It is a pity the three denominations have felt a call to this small island as it will, undoubtedly, unsettle the minds of a portion of the natives who had only known and looked to the Presbyterian Mission in the past.

White Population.

There are now 25 adult whites re siding on the island, as compared to 16 four years ago—quite an increase in these depressed times—but every thing goes on as usual.