Chrome, the Key to N

N. Caledonian Economy

THE foreign controlled Tiebaghi Com pany, which has operated the in credibly rich Tiebaghi chrome mine in the north-west of New Caledonia, since early in the present century (it was acquired from the Bernstein interests), is now becoming active in the south of the Colony. It recently received authorisa tion to construct a 31 mile road leading from a mining concession to the wharf at Bay N’Go. The Nickel Company has a nickel declaration close to the wharf.

There has, however, been a fall in the price of chrome in the United States which may have its effect on New Cale donian economy—the Colony since the

war has become a valuable dollar-earner for France. Now US has built up a con siderable stockpile, and it is reported that smelters there have reduced their acti vities, some by as much as 40 per cent.

America already gets a large proportion of her chrome from Turkey, whom she is militarily pledged to protect against Rus sian aggression: while another major producer is Rhodesia.

Mr. Jack Miedecke, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Miedecke of Falelauniu Plantation, Western Samoa, was visiting his parents in July after an absence of 16 years from the Territory. He served with the AIF in the islands during World War 11. Another son of this family, Mr.

George Miedecke, won the, DFC while serving with the RAAF.