N. Caledonia Will Get

More Australian Coal

rE president of the New Caledonian General Council, Monsieur H. Bon neaud, and the Inspector General of the Nickel Co., M. Coste, recently re turned to Noumea from Australia, where they discussed coal supplies for the Noumea nickel smelters with Common wealth authorities. During a stay of a fortnight they saw various Ministers and representatives of industry, and report some success.

It is hoped now that the Pt. Doniambo smelters will be able to resume production in part, and that arrangements will be made for the “Sagittaire” to carry coal to Noumea, supplementing the supplies brought by the Nickel Co’s old colliers, now reduced, as a result of the war, to two.

The French officials reported a request from Australia for timber which the Commonwealth needs badly. The Colony will make an effort in this direction and subsequently the General Council resolved to export 10,000 cubic metres of timber to Australia.

It is possible that the Commonwealth will take also 40 per cent, ferro-nickel which is produced by the Nickel Com pany’s electric smelters at Yate. and a supply of iron ore up to 50,000 tons for the first year.