Reduced

Fares To Noumea

From Our Own Correspondent.

Noumea, Sept. 7.

WE learn with regret that on this trip the “Laperouse” goes from Vila to Hongkong and Indochina, instead of re turning to Australia. This means that we miss a mail each way. Her principal cargo is 2541 tons of Australian flour, 2200 tons of which goes to Hongkong. She will not be here again until October 18, after call ing at Sydney.

It is welcome news to hear that there is to be a 20 per cent, reduction in the price of the smaller first-class cabins.

Since the depreciation in the exchange the prices have been far too high for Austra lian travellers.

The “Capitaine Illaquier” is expected early this month with a cargo of gypsum from South Australia for the Societe Caledonickel. This is used extensively here in the treatment of nickel ore, be fore it is exported to France.