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Javanese Leave New Caledonia By Air

From Our Own Correspondent

I Noumea. June 10.

T was a red letter day in local Jav anese affairs, on May 29, when the Qantas sea plane “Coriolanus” took • off for Australia carrying, amongst others, seven Javanese. They were former in dentured labourers and latterly “residence hbre;” they had waited years to go home to Java, via Australia.

Two hundred envious compatriots were on the wharf to see them off. They had started assembling as early as 4 a.m , and their concerted sigh of envy almost drowned the roar of the “Corialanus” as she lifted into the sky.

For several years the Javanese here have been awaiting a Dutch boat to carry them home, but so far it has not materi alised. The price of the through air trip dava Vla Aus , tralia cost the Javanese 23,000 francs each (£AI4O) anil was paid for in American dollars, which they had to find themselves because the local Ad mimstration will not. of course, sell them This is an enormous sum for these Jav calTof'home'is strong 3 "’ l3borerS ’ but the With few exceptions, all the Javanese here are longing for the day when thev can get away; they pay no heed to what niay be in store of them on arrival in Jft Vft. ciriiwi^u 118 here are excellent. Any un skilled labourer can earn almost £AI per nFtv, and tradesman much more. Most nlifk 1 \e we y er - ar e content to work half-heartedly for a few days a week just enough to keep themselves and have a over for the cinema.

With regard to air travel, it is intrest mg to note that Pan American Airways will accept payment in francs for passages; this is a strong selhng point hi their competition with Qantas which will only take dollars or British currency. 1 Mr. M. R. Gallen, who was rpppnHv appotatfd a Warrant Officer of Poflce at race Porc? y fn Was in the QueeSnd Foice foi seven years. Known to his friends as “Mick” Gallen he is a first-rank footballer and tennis player