One Night In Papeete
p. 89 · Read in the full issue
Papeete, May 16.
ON the evening of May 12, there was a dazzling scene of multi-coloured lights around a wide dance floor, gay with attractive women in Paris-styled gowns, officers in white uniforms, and civilians in evening dress. The scene was alongside the French gunboat, “Annamite,” soon to depart for France. Spick and span, she dominated the festival, shining her searchlights over the merry throng.
At the table of Commandant Beghelli were the Governor and his wife, and prominent members of the community.
Entrance was by invitation only.
Mademoiselle Sophie, from the Hotel Rivnac, gave a Tahitian dance, which brought official congratulations. The dancing troupe of “France Maeva” gave Hawaiian and Tahitian exhibitions. The “piece de resistance” of the evening was provided by the dynamic and colourful “Augustine,” undisputed dancing cham pion of the Islands, who swung into her repertoire, drawing cries of delight and ‘encore” from the delighted onlookers.
Mr. Willy Bambridge was MC and Mr.
Eddie Lund and orchestra supplied modern dance muic.
Only 121 persons classed as “tourists” /isited New Caledonia in 1948—68 British, LI Australians, 19 French and 12 Armen ians.