Catapulting The

Governor

French-American Courtesies in New Caledonia

From Our Own Correspondent.

Noumea, Sept. 7.

Monday, August 27, we received a visit from the American cruiser As toria. She arrived at Noumea early in the morning, and, entering the harbour, fired a salvo of twenty-one guns. After an official visit had been paid upon the Governor (M. Siadous) His Excellency went on board and received a further salvo.

On the following day, keen interest was shown in the four hydroplanes which were catapulted off the ship and made a lengthy flight over Noumea and the surrounding districts. The Governor, who is an experienced aviator, accepted an offer to go up in one of the hydroplanes, and much enjoyed the experiences of being cata pulted off, and of seeing Noumea with its beautiful surrounding coastline spread out beneath him.

On Tuesday afternoon, Madame Siadous held the usual monthly reception at Government House, which had been timed to coincide with the Astoria’s visit. Dancing was soon in full swing, and the American officers were not slow to take advantage of the many charming partners with their soft attractive French voices.

That evening Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, who are here on a visit from New York, en tertained their compatriots at a large dinner at the Grand Hotel du Pacifique (which has lately changed its name from Hotel de la Gare).

On Wednesday, Captain Root and his officers, with a detachment of marines, placed a wreath at the foot of the “Monu ment aux Morts.”