Historic Guillotine

This guillotine, it is said, is the same machine that was used in behead Louis XVI., in Paris, on January 21, 1793. Many years afterwards, it was sent out to New Caledonia, where on necessary occasions, it served its grisly purpose. Some four years ago, it was shipped across to New Hebrides and was used, in Port Vila, for the execution of certain Asiatic labourers who had been found guilty of violent crimes against the French popu lation. It was returned immediately to New Caledonia, and, when this photograph was taken, it was standing behind the prison buildings on the notorious He de Nou, all ready for business.

There are still a few convicts (“lifers”) on the He de Nou, which is opposite Noumea; but the once great convict establishment is now prac tically unused.