“Cement Scandal” In

Tahiti

Officialdom Involved

From Our Own Correspondent

Papeete, Nov. 20.

THE “Cement Scandal” already is the talk of Eastern Polynesia. Attempts to hush it up are being made, but that now seems impossible—too much already has been disclosed.

When the Representative Assembly was opened in Papeete on November 13, the President, M. Jean Millaud, was most out spoken on the subject. He lashed the people who are regarded as responsible for the scandal, and he said that at present— while there is a grave shortage of cement in other places in the South Pacific — Tahiti has a supply equal to five years’ demand, and the material must deterior ate a great deal before it can be used.

Some months ago, the Government in vited tenders for the supply of a com paratively small amount of cement, and several bids were submitted. But it was discovered that, before the tenders were opened, some 3,000 tons of cement already had been shipped—and the names of some prominent Papeete merchants are asso ciated with what is described as a “shady deal.”

M. Girault, who was then Secretary- General and is now Acting Governor, re fused to sign the papers connected with the transaction; but, in the meantime, the cement arrived. Another high official is said to have been persuaded by certain influential civilians to pass the documents.

The scandal was reported about the time of the hurried departure of the Governor, M. Anziani; but, although

there has been much beach talk, it has not been shown that the two events are connected.

M. Millaud did not hesitate to say that there had been graft in connection with this importation of 3,000 tons of cement and he also indicated that there was something wrong with the importation, at the same time, of a large quantity’ of water-pipes.

M. Millaud said that many people were involved, and that payment for these improper'importations had placed a great strain upon the Colony’s finances.