Governor

Sudden Departure Of

Speculation in Tahiti

Noumea. Nov. 1.

ASTIR was caused in French Oceania, and in French Pacific circles gener ally, in October, when it became known that the Governor of French Oceania, M. Anziani, had been recalled to France in circumstances which sug gested that he was, officially, out of favour.

Soon afterwards, it was announced that M. Petitbon, recently Prefect of Constan tine (Algeria) had been appointed Governor in succession to M. Anziani, and would soon arrive in Papeete, The Acting Governor, M. Louis Girault, announced on October 20 that the French Minister for the Colonies would make an early visit to French Oceania.

The cablegram recalling M. Anziani ar rived about September 25. The Governor and Madame Anziani departed from Papeete on a French copra ship, Owendo, on Friday, the 13th. Although he had been well liked in Tahiti, there was no quay-side demonstration of farewell.

Rumour worked overtime. Some said Anziani had given offence by seeking popularity, so that he might become the new Senator for those parts, thus en dangering the re-election of M. Lasalle- Sere. Others said that he was seen too much and too often in the company of Deputy M. Pouvanaa a Oopa who, to put it frankly, is regarded as very Leftist.

Others say that the Governor was blamed for the extraordinary amount of cement which has arrived recently in Papeete—in fact, it is suggested that there are elements of a “scandal” here.

One Papeete commentator referred to “La Valse Des Governeurs.” Anziani was the 57th Governor Tahiti has had in 80 years!