Snobbery

An End Of

Changes in New Caledonia

From Our Own Correspondent

Noumea, July 12.

A STRIKING change in the social life of New Caledonia is noted as a result of the September revolution and the throwing out of unpopular fonc tionnaires. It was largely those fonc tionnaires, who considered themselves little tin gods, and superior to the rather plain-thinking Caledonian-born, who were the main upholders of the snob system which ruled until the arrival of Governor Sautot.

The other day, I witnessed the depart ure for Indo-China, via Australia, of a typical “case”—not a fonctionnaire, but a professional man, and a typical Vichy partisan. On his way to the ship, he was loudly cursing New Caledonia, which he called a “sale pays” inhabited by “sale coloniaux” and his attitude was most unhappy towards Governor Sautot and all his works.

Can we wonder that the people of this country—which is neither unimportant nor unattractive —are a little tired of being run by the sort of metropolitain this man represents, and long for real self-government. Their general longing is to become a sort of French Dominion on New Zealand lines.

It is rather mystifying to the visitor to find such a relatively small population divided up into so many little cliques, fonctionnaires, professional men, com mercials, shop-employees, workers, min ers, broussards, having so little friendly intercourse; and the women are as bad as the men—or a darned sight worse.

Noumea particularly, little as it is, has in the past been a paradise for snobbery, where petty jealousies were rife, and this has been one of the bad things Governor Sautot has had to strive against. He is succeeding—at least, temporarily—because he is a simple man with an absolute incapacity for “side”.

Car-owners have for years monopolised the attractive suburban beach called Anse Vata, where they have been allowed by past Governments to establish a long row of summer- or bathing-houses, which largely exclude the general public.

A recent decree, however, requests them to remove these kiosks before the end of the year, so that the beach next year may be available for the use of Cale donians generally.

Hitherto, Government House balls have been exclusive', dressy affairs; but Sau tot, realising whence comes the real strength of the Free French movement, is going to make an exception for the Republic Day ball of July 13, which will not be reserved for the privileged few, but will be thrown open, as he puts it, “to all artisans of the movement, with out distinction of class, for Free French men are distinguished only by their devotion to their country, wherefore all are welcome, whether Noumeans or broussards. bourgeoisie or workers or peasants. The entry price will be modest, and.the only tenue exacted correct town dress.”

The main Government wharf at Port Moresby is being strengthened, length ened and widened so as to provide more and better accommodation for increased shipping.

The Royal Australian Historical Society has arranged a series of lectures in Sydney for senior high school students.

Mr. Eric Ramsden has been asked to lecture in October on the early mission period in Tahiti.

Marriages by proxy have been author ised for New Caledonian soldiers serving overseas. Three such marriages have already been arranged with soldiers now abroad. The prospective wives reside in Noumea.