New Caledonia

Grim Preparations in New Caledonia

GRAVE fears are entertained that a Japanese attack upon New Cale donia is imminent. All males cap able of carrying arms, who have not already been mobilised, have been drafted into the Home Guard in New Caledonia, and drastic defence mea sures have been taken.

Owing to a continued drought—extend ing over the last three years, and dry ing up the rivers and causing the death of many cattle—the big island’s food

supplies are in poor shape, and the col ony now has four meatless days each week.

The Government of New Caledonia, under the vigorous direction of the new Free French High Commissioner in the Pacific, is co-operating vigorously with the other Allied powers in taking what ever measures are possible to resist the southwards thrust of the Japanese.

Types of volunteer native troops in New Caledonia. Governor Sautot recently paid a well-merited tribute to these volunteers, who make keen and brave soldiers, as their service in the 1914-18 war showed. —Photo: Dunn.