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Visit Tahiti in Spite of Adverse Exchange Position

From Our Own Correspondent PAPEETE, December 2.

THE annual general meeting of the Syndicat dTnitiative (Tourist Bureau) was held at the Papeete Town Hall on November 15, the chair being occupied by His Excellency the Governor, who is honorary president of the association.

Monsieur Lherbier, the elected president, recounted briefly the history of the Tourist Bureau from its inception in 1914, under the presidency of M. Deflesselle, to the pre sent date. He told of the progress of the improvements sponsored and actively assisted by the Syndicat during the past year. M. Lherbier also paid a warm tribute to the valuable work done by the late Pere Rougier during the term when he occupied the chair.

Statistics quoted by M. Lherbier showed a steady increase in the number of tourists visiting French Oceania, but as he truly pointed out we cannot expect a vigorous development, which is justified by the natural attractions of Tahiti, so long as the foreign exchange situation remains as at present. The tourist, whether he be from America or from British countries, finds the purchasing power of iiis money seriously diminished when he is obliged to pay for everything in francs.

Among important items carried out re cently by the Syndicat, Monsieur Lherbier referred to the deepening of the entrance to Papeete Pass, which has been carried to a depth of 10 metres (33 ft.). It is in tended to proceed further with this work as soon as funds permit so that vessels drawing up to 40 ft. will be able to enter without difficulty. More than once during recent years Tahiti has had the experience of seeing large tourist liners pass by owing to fear of the Papeete Pass, or else being obliged to disembark passengers by means of boats —an unsatisfactory state of affairs which will now soon be remedied. In con nection with this difficult piece of work which is all essential in the interests of the tourist industry, Monsieur Lherbier warm ly acknowledged the help given by the Public Works Department and the Com pagnie des Phosphates de I’Oceanie.

Regarding the proposed hill station, M.

Lherbier said that further exploration of the possibilities had confirmed the former decision that the plateau at the base of Mt. Teohu presented the best site on the island. This plateau is not too far removed from Papeete, is situated on the dry side of the island at an altitude of 2500 ft., and commands a fine view over the district of Punaavia and across the ocean to Moorea.

An additional advantage is that this par ticular site is uncomplicated by native land titles, which would create almost insuper able .difficulties elsewhere.

A good path or bridle track to the station is all that is contemplated at the present time, but Monsieur Lherbier stated that the construction of a motor road to Mt.

Teohu will not present any insurmountable engineering difficulties. It is hoped that the trail will be commenced at an early date as it will be a very real benefit to week-enders who badly need a change of air, to say nothing of its attractions from a tourist standpoint.

The financial budget showed a satis factory balance in hand and estimates for 1936 include considerable sums to be dis tributed as prizes in the country districts for the best kept villages and gardens, a contribution to the Racing Association, assistance in the production of a “Guide to

Conversations in the Local Dialects,” and a substantial sum for the reception of tourists. Other items include the publi cation of the Tourist Gazette and the sec retary's salary.

Mr. J, R. Kinnaird, a Scottish mis sionary, of Aberdeen, has been appointed by the London Missionary Society as chief engineer on the John Williams V., the famous mission schooner of the South Seas. He will join the vessel next spring.

The John Williams has recently been fitted with wireless, operated by a South Sea Islander. Atmospherics make wire less reception in the South Seas particu larly erratic but it is hoped that the ship will be able to keep in touch with wire less stations at Suva, Ocean Island, Samoa, and the L.M.S. station at Beru (Gilbert Is.).