Administrative Council
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
New Caledonia Administrative Council Coffee Planters May Benefit
From Our Own Correspondent
New Caledonia, Nov. 25.
AN east coast planter from Cantala, Monsieur Louis Cagnon, has been appointed a member of the Adminis trative Council (which is now in session) to represent the interests of New Caledonian volunteers serving overseas.
He replaces M. Leon Kollen.
M. Kollen’s appointment by Governor Montchamp had been opposed by the president and other members of the Council, which also had its differences with High Commissioner d’Argenlieu, particularly at the time of and subse quent to Henri Sautot’s recall to London.
It is not without significance that the Council, re-nominated by the new Gover nor, M. Laigret, under a decree dated November 12, is practically the same as that originally nominated by Governor Sautot in 1940 to replace the General Council. Present members are—From Noumea: Jean Audrain, accountant; Just Mayet, retired businessman; M. Rapadzi, manager of the Nickel Co.; and hard working Dr. Trubert; from bush centres: Pierre Berges, of La Foa (president); Louis Cagnon, of Canala; Leon Devillers, of Houailou; Auguste Henriot, of Kone; Maurice Janisel, of Pouebo; Georges Morlet, of Bourail; and Henri Roily, of Gomen.
Most of the country members are cof fee planters and cattle raisers. Coffee growers are the hardest hit by war con ditions, and many plantations have not enough labour to keep them in full pro duction. Betterment of their lot may be expected from the Governor’s action, on the Council’s recommendation, in increas ing the guaranteed price of coffee —for which the American Army has become a customer—to 9.50 francs per kilogramme for Robusta and 14.05 francs for Arabica, delivered in Noumea. • Amongst recent departures from Samoa were the Rev. H. W. Whyte (of the LMS); Mr. Herbert Phineas (of the Union SS Co. staff, who is transferred to Lyttleton, NZ); Mr. A. McKenzie (Superintendent of Schools), and Mrs. McKenzie, and Miss Wallace (of the LMS Girls’ School at Papauta).