Noumea Prepares For
p. 12 · Read in the full issue
P.A.A. Seaplanes
ACCORDING to the Noumea news paper of November 23, the French authorities in New Caledonia are making active preparations for the ac commodation of the seaplanes of Pan- American Airways. The French Gover nor expects that the new service, in cluding Noumea, will come into opera tion during the present year.
On November 15 the Governor of New Caledonia, accompanied by a number of officials, paid a formal visit to the Isle de Nou —otherwise known as Nouville.
The principal object of the visit was the examination of the old wharves and buildings on Isle de Nou, which form erly were part of the great prison, which accommodated thousands of convicts, sent from France to New Caledonia.
Since the transportation system was abolished, many years ago, the prisons on Isle de Nou have not been used; and some have fallen seriously into disre pair.
According to the Noumea newspaper, it is hoped to make use of these wharves and buildings as a seaplane base, for both military and commercial machines.
Much reconstruction may be necessary, but there is an enormous quantity of building material available there.
Father Arthur Junker sailed from Sydney by the “Malaita” early in Janu ary, for Kieta, T.N.G., where he will take up duties at the Marist Mission station.