New Hebrides News

From Our Own Correspondent VILA, April 1.

THE March cyclone, which passed to the south-west of the New Hebrides and did so much damage in Noumea, also left a trail of destruction in these islands. Although the wind did not reach hurricane force, there was a heavy swell with thick rain squalls and several ves sels are reported lost, without, however, any loss of life.

The m/v “Resolution” (Burns Philp (New Hebrides) Ltd.) was returning to Vila when the engine broke down and the vessel was not heard of for about ten days. It eventually turned up on the north-east coast of New Caledonia, where it had been carried by the wind and sea. The Captain (Mr. Keith Sol way) and the Supercargo (Mr. R. Paul) and crew are safe in Noumea.

The vessel is said to be only slightly damaged, and is now being towed back to Vila by the “Avalon” (formerly the “Taipan”). * * * AT Espiritu Santo (New Hebrides) on March 21, an American four-engined plane, after circling over the other two airfields constructed by the Ameri cans during the war and known as “Bomber I" and “Bomber II,” touched down on the Pallikulo airstrip.

The plane, which is said to have come from Suva, appeared to have landed to carry out minor adjustments and re mained on the field only half an hour.

There are persistent rumours at Espi ritu Santo about the projected arrival of an American “Survey Mission” compris ing about 300 personnel. * * * SINCE the damage to “Trapas” aircraft during the March hurricane, the New Hebrides are now without regular air communication with Sydney. Trans oceanic Airways operate a service, via Noumea, but do not run to any specified schedule. That is because the Australian Government will not give the Company a license to fun regular services.