Sugar Plantation On

Tahiti Sold

From Our Own Correspondent

Papeete, Jan. 10.

IT is reported that the Atimaono Sugar Plantation on Tahiti has passed to the ownership of a French company for the sum of 7,500,000 francs (Tahitian).

The early history of Atimaono, as a cotton plantation, has been ably told by Mr. W. W. Bolton, in earlier issues of the “PIM.”

A native legend—first heard by this writer from the lips of ancient Tahitian patriarchs, more than 35 years ago—re lates that, because of some treachery by the original Stewart, the old Teva chiefs laid a malediction which foreshadowed disaster to all who might hold or culti vate Atimaono; until the land should be restored to the families of its ancestral proprietors.

The history of Atimaono, during the past 70 years, has been a startling con firmation of that old legend. During the war, however, the Chinese operators of Atimaono appear to have appeased the spirits of the angry Teva chiefs.

The plans of the new company have not, as yet, been disclosed. It is pre sumed that new machinery will be in stalled at the sugar-mill and more productive varieties of sugar-cane im ported for planting. There is no reason in the world why this Colony should be obliged to import the major part of its sugar from distant countries.

The leading department store in Albury (On-the-Murray) NSW, has been ac quired by Burns Philp & Co., Ltd. It will be continued under its original name of “Mate’s,” with the present staff.