M. Jean Marchessou

New French Governor in the Pacific

ONE of France’s most distinguished colonial administrators, M. Jean Mar chessou, reached Sydney on November 26 by the Strathaird on his way to Noumea, where he will be Governor of New Cale donia and the New Hebrides for two years.

Before being appointed to this important post in the Pacific, he had been stationed in the African colonies for more than 30 years—the last 18 months of which he had spent as Governor-General of the French Congo.

In Africa, M. Marchessou led a number of pioneering expeditions into the interior and made many aeroplane reconnaissance flights over the primitive jungle. He is exceptionally keen on flying, and on arrival in Sydney said that if there were an air service between Australia and New Cale donia he would travel the rest of the way by air.

It is believed that the syndicate which recently proposed to establish an air ser vice between Brisbane and Noumea will have the new Governor’s sympathetic sup port.

Monsieur Marchessou sailed from Syd ney for Noumea to take up duties by the Capitaine Illiaquer on December 2.

Monsieur Marchessou.