Tahiti Notes

From Our Own Correspondent

Papeete, Nov. 2.

Norwegian Consul on Vacation

Mr. Robert Charon, Who For

many years has represented Nor way at Tahiti, will leave by the MS Thor I, with his wife and daughter, for an extended tour of America and France. Numerous “Tamaaraas” (native farewell dinners) have taken place. Dur ing his absence, the Consulate will be officially represented by Mr. Mervil Darrel Shields.

Orgy of Reunion at Papeete ON September 30, a crowd gathered to witness the arrival of the 2,500 ton French gunboat, Francis Gamier.

The Capitaine de Fregate Riviere, Cap tain Carisey, representative of the Gov ernor, and many other officials waited to welcome the vessel.

Lining the quay wall were many pretty young Tahitian girls, with long wavy black hair, brightly-coloured dresses, and armsful of sweet-smelling flowers, joy fully awaiting the moment of landing.

Their beaming faces expressed their hap piness at being united with their sailor lovers after many long months.

As the gangplank came down, the officials went aboard, followed by a wave of delightful femininity, laden with flowers. Soon there was an orgy of re union, crowns of flowers being given to all and kisses demanded in return.

The happiest of all was perhaps the young sailor of the Dumont d’Urville, who was returning to Tahiti to join his wife, and who showed his joy by being the first sailor to leap forward to a femi nine embrace.

New Vessel In South Pacific ON September 23 the MS Thorscape, 4,403 tons, of the Pacific Islands Transport Line, entered Papeete harbour, making her first visit to these waters.

On September 30, the ashes of Com mandant Gilbert, which had been re turned to Tahiti for burial, were interred at Tipaerai Cemetery.

A large crowd assembled at the quay to witness the ceremonies which attended the transfer of the ashes, covered with the Tricolour, from the French gunboat, Francis Gamier, to a specially prepared car, heaped high with wreaths and crowns of flowers.

After Father Calixte had given abso lution, the convoy proceeded slowly to the cemetery, the Governor accompanied by the Secretary General, being at the head of the convoy. A delegate of the Volunteers of the Pacific Battalion, led by Captain Herve, and a delegation of the Sporting Association “Fei Pi,” were also present.

At the cemetery, the Governor traced the brilliant career of Commandant Gil bert, Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, and Compagnon de la Liberation, to his death on active duty, from an aeroplane accident, on June 8, 1942. Messrs. Herve and Teriierooiterai spoke briefly.

MM Manager to Return to France MR. GEORGES Phaure, manager in Tahiti for the last three years of Messageries Maritimes, will leave for France as soon as his successor, M. de Vulpillieres, arrives to replace him.

Mr. Phaure is going on extended leave, accompanied by his wife and family. His departure will be regretted, as he has carried out his duties most efficiently, with a high regard for the public wel fare. During the time when Papeete warehouses were over-crowded with

copra, he managed to have chartered vessels call at Tahiti to remove to France the long-awaited foodstuff.

Mother Superior Visits Tahiti THIS Sisters of St. Joseph de Cluny, of Papeete, announced the arrival of their Mother-Superior-General by Trapas plane, at the end of October. On her arrival, a great Catholic celebra tion of welcome took place.

Lone Mariner Departs THE American cutter yacht, Stormaway, sailed on October 4 for the Western Pacific, via the Cook Islands. Captain Alfred Petersen left New York five months ago* and called at the West Indies, Panama, Gallapagos, Marquesas and Tuamotus.

Death of Mr. Charles Levy MR. C. LEVY, a well-known Islands resident, president of the Horse Riding Society, and president of the Syndicate of Proprietors, suddenly passed away on October 1, at Papeete Hospital from peritonitis.

At Tipaerai cemetery, among a large gathering of friends, the Mayor (Mr. A.

Poroi) spoke highly of Mr. Levy, with stress on his success as a cattle-breeder and farmer, and his efforts to improve the strain of Tahiti livestock. Among the sympathisers present was Mr. Charon, president of the League of Free French, of which Mr. Levy had been an active member.

Wedding MISS NORA FROGIER was married to Mr. Jean Vernaudon, on Oc tober 8, at Papeete. Both are de scendants of the first French settlers in Tahiti.

Personal

MT. ATTALI, Administrates adjoint

des Colonies arrived by the Oc tober plane to commence his duties at the Office of Returned Soldiers. He will attend to the needs of veterans of both World Wars, and the families of the deceased soldiers. Himself a veteran, Mr. Attali, after having escaped to Spam from Vichy France, joined the forces of the Free French, and participated in tne campaigns of France and Germany, dur ing which time he was wounded.

Messrs. Gaignard, and Lachenal, Counsellors of the Union Francaise, ar rived to spend several weeks in Tahiti, on a private mission. Mr. Gaignard was in Tahiti 8 years ago a* an Commissary Department of the converted cruiser Cap des Palmes, Mid was happy to meet many old Islands friends.