New Industries For

N. Caledonia

THE present Government of New Cale donia is trying valiantly to make the Colony self-supporting now that its principal markets have been cut off by the surrender of France to Ger many.

The proposals which are receiving practical consideration include one to revive the distillation of rum from sugar-cane grown in the Colony—an industry that formerly flourished there, but which was eventually killed by the competition of Martinique rum. The liquors customarily consumed—especially French wines—have been cut off by war conditions and the distillation of New Caledonian rum may supply a clamant need in New Caledonia.

The French are also planning to base a new industry upon what at present is one of their outstanding curses—namely,

the deer, which over-run the Colony.

Deer are so numerous that their slaugh ter is part of the regular activities of pastoralists; but now there is a steady, regular and profitable market for deer skins. Deer-hunting has become, instead of a wearisome duty, a combination of sport and industry. About 80,000 deer skins per annum are exported to Austra lia, for tanning.

But the practical French have now decided that this tanning may be done in New Caledonia itself, and men are going to Australia to be trained in tan ning methods. Eventually, New Cale donia will export fine leather instead of deer-skins.

Miss Anne Cole, of Western Australia, has been appointed LMS nurse at Pore porena Hospital, near Pt. Moresby, Papua.

Dr, J. Taylor, Fiji Medical Officer, was in New Zealand last month spending furlough.

Dr. R. W. Cooper, Medical Officer in the NG Public Health Department, has been in Melbourne spending a couple of months’ holiday with his family.