First Belgian Ship at Tahiti

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, Feb. 9.

Belgian school ship, “Mercator,” a steel-built barque with auxiliary power, came into Papeete Harbour in the middle of January. As this was the first time that a vessel flying the Belgian flag had been seen in Tahiti, her arrival was something of an event, and she was ac corded an enthusiastic reception.

Official visits to His Excellency Gov ernor Montagne and the Mayor of Papeete (Mr. George Bambridge) were paid by Commandante Van de Sanie. He also placed a splendid wreath upon the monu ment to the Tahitian soldiers killed in the Great War. During the ceremony the band from the Ecole des Freres de Ploer mel rendered the Marseillaise and the Brabancone —the National Anthems of France and Belgium.

A native style fete was held in honour of the visitors at the beautiful King Albert Park, at Papeete. This was fol lowed by an animated ball in the open air, which, in true Tahitian style, did not end till well after daybreak.

The Mercator came to Papeete by way of the Canary Islands, Martinique, Gua quil, Easter Island, and Pitcairn. By arrangement with the Chillian Government, two large stone images were picked up at Easter Island for the Trocadero Museum in Paris and the Museum at Brussels.

Dr. Metraux, from the Trocadero Museum, and Dr. de Lavacherie, from the Brussels Institution were passengers on board.