New Buildings In Noumea

Residence For US Consul : Houses For SPC

From Our Own Correspondent

Noumea, Oct. 1.

THE Municipal Council of Noumea has agreed to sell to the United States Government an area of 40 acres (4,000 sq. metres) on Semaphore Hill, ad joining the Chateau d’Eau, for 600,000 francs (about £4,000 stg.). The Ameri cans intend to build their new Consulate on this fine site.

The US Consul’s temporary residence, overlooking Magenta, suffered in last season’s cyclone. Since Mr. MacVittie arrived, in wartime, as the first US Consul, the consular offices have been situated in town, near the Bank of Indo china. The new Semaphore building will combine residence and office space.

At its meeting on Sept. 27, Noumea Council considered a suggestion from the French Minister for Overseas Territories that it should undertake the construction of housing accommodation for members of the South Pacific Commission’s staff.

The idea was that the town would get a loan for building the houses which would then be rented to the Commission.

The Council decided that such house building is beyond its legitimate role. To show goodwill, however, it was agreed to supply the land rent-free to whatever or ganisation, French or New Caledonian, undertook the building of the five houses contemplated. The site selected is at Mont Coffyn, on the far side of Anse Vata beach.