81 Years Old
p. 52 · Read in the full issue
N. Caledonia Celebrates Anniversary
From Our Own Correspondent.
Noumea, Sept. 30.
ON Monday, September 24, a holiday was declared to celebrate the 81st Anniversary of the annexation of New Caledonia by France.
Many business people from Noumea made excursions inland as far north as Kone and Voh. A programme of sports was arranged and, though the weather was showery, the events were run off successfully. In the evening a ball, largely attended by officials and residents was held at the Town Hall.
New Caledonia prior to 1830 was more or less a refuge for runaway sailors and convicts from New South Wales. In 1840 the missionaries arrived and later the island was visited by explorers and traders. The territory had been desired by both France and Great Britain, but neither had made any definite move to occupy the island. However, when the crew of the French vessel Alcmene were murdered in 1850, the French stepped in and took possession.
At Balade, on September 24, 1853, Rear- Admiral Despointes took formal posses sion of New Caledonia in the name of France.