New Caledonia Solving
p. 57 · Read in the full issue
Its Troubles
THE following important points made by Governor Henri Sautot, when he addressed the new Administrative Council in Noumea on December 23 (the new Council replaces the Conseil-General, which had been in existence since 1885), indicate the improving condition of the Colony.
The Council, for the present, was nominated by the Governor. A represen tative Council would be chosen by popular vote, however, as soon as inter national conditions permit.
The Colony’s canned meat products had been sold to the Free French army. Ef forts were being made to sell the Colony’s coffee in Australia. Australian duties against New Hebrides cocoa had been removed. The British were co-operating in the establishment of a French ship ping line, to run between Australia and United States, via New Caledonia, New Hebrides and Tahiti. A plan to establish a copra-crushing mill in Noumea was being supported. The cultivation of cotton for the Australian market, and of tobacco for the local market, was recommended.
The delicate problem of disposing of the metal products of the colony in such a way that the interests of the Allies would not be harmed, has been solved.