Arrival Of New Governor

In Noumea

A CONSIDERABLE crowd gathered at the wharf at Noumea on May 10 to welcome the new governor of New Caledonia, M. Cournarie, on his arrival by the “Sagittaire.”

M. Cournarie’s career has been an in teresting one. He is a veteran of the first World War; and he has served in the French Foreign Legion, the Cavalry and other branches of the Army. He commenced his administrative career in 1920, in the French Cameroons and took a prominent part in the rallying of that territory to General de Gaulle’s forces.

In this he was associated with the famous General Leclerc, one of the greatest heroes of Free France.

In 1942 M. Cournarie was named Governor General of the colonies of French Equatorial Africa, The fact that

he is an officer of the Legion of Honour and Companion of the Order of Libera tion is proof of his excellent work.

In Noumea, on his arrival the Secretary General and the Commander of the local forces went on board to welcome him, afterwards conducting him ashore where military honours were paid to him. He was presented to prominent local resi dents including the members of the Assembly. The Mayor, M. Henri Sautot, himself an ex-Governor and hero of Free France, gave the customary speech of welcome to which M. Cournarie res ponded briefly, intimating his desire to work energetically for New Caledonia with the co-operation of all New Cale donians. He then proceeded to the War Memorial where he placed a wreath and then on to Government House to meet the retiring Governor, M. Parisot.

By his energetic words and bearing M.

Cournarie has, in a short time, created

a vtery good impression.-

F.E.D.

In two world wars, New Caledonians have played as patriotic a part and have suffered as heavily as their Pacific island friends and neighbours in British colonies.

The number of Caledonian servicemen killed in action, 1939-44, is now officially given as 108, of whom 77 were Euro peans and 31 natives. Of these. 77 served in the French Army and 31 with the Navy. In the 1914-18 war. 541 Cale donians died for France, mainly on Euro pean battlefields, where they had a fine record.

The Mayor of Noumea, M. Henri Sautot, with members of the Conseil General, welcomes the new Governor (dark uniform). —Photo by F. E. Dunn.