Death Of M. Jean Lods

THE death was reported from France on June 18 of former Vila resident and Condominium Government offi cial, Monsieur Jean Lods.

He was born in New Caledonia, in Oc tober, 1906, and joined the Customs De partment of the New Hebrides’

Condominium in 1926. He was appointed Collector of Customs to the Condominium in 1942 which post he held until the time of his death.

He was a staunch patriot and ener getically supported the Free French cause after the fall of France in 1940. In 1939, he was called up but owing to his local origin and knowledge he was trans ferred back to the New Hebrides and at tained the rank of lieutenant in the local Home Guard.

The happy possessor of a clear and im partial “Condominium” outlook, M. Lods was equally at home among British as John, as he was among the French as Jean. The two names rapidly became synonomous with the man who was re garded as the true “Condominiumite.”

In March this year, he was granted special leave to consult doctors in Noumea regarding his general health. Among the doctors who attended him was his sister, Dr. Lucie Lods. His illness was diagnosed as tumour of the brain and upon advice he flew to France for specialised treat ment.

An operation was performed but little; hope was held for its successful outcome.

M. Lods’ passing is a great loss to both. the Condominium Government service and J to the New Hebridean community as aj whole.

Queen Salote, of Tonga will leave Nu kualofa in November for a holiday in Zealand.