Prosperity!
p. 31 · Read in the full issue
New Caledonia Under War Conditions
rE New Caledonian Administrative Council has voted a record Budget estimate for 1942. This estimate is 69,000,000 francs, in comparison with 44,000,000 francs in 1939, 62,000,000 francs in 1940 and 53.000,000 francs in 1941.
The rise in 1940 was accounted for by expenditure on French and local defence during the first year of the war; and, similarly, the drop in the succeeding year is accounted for by the fall of France and the uncertain economic position that resulted in French colonies.
New Caledonia —even more so than other Pacific Territories—had a lean time between 1940-41; but since the beginning of 1942, and the arrival of the American forces in the Colony, the whole country is working and earning as never before.
Demands for the mineral products of New Caledonia are also in excess of supply.
The present reserve of the Colony is 14,000,000 francs.
Ratu G. B. Toganivalu, Roko Tui Bua, has been seconded to the office of the Fiji Commissioner of Labour, as a Labour Officer.