Tahiti’S First Motor Car

Associated Plantations Pty., Ltd., registered, in New South Wales, and own ing plantations in the British Solomon Islands, has decided to reduce its issued capital from £85,000 to £33,000, and has applied to the Supreme Court for per mission to take this step, and to sanction an arrangement that has been entered into concerning the rights and priorities of the holders of the cumulative preference shares.

This vehicle of queer appearance was one of the first cars seen in Tahiti—in fact, it is possible that it was French Oceania’s first motor car. It was brought ashore in Papeete about 1900; and its first appearance in the streets caused a panic. Note the right-hand drive. The man, at the wheel is Mr. William Bardury.

Although far advanced in years, he is still alive and a resident of Fort de France, Martinique.

The old photograph is from Oscar Nordman’s fascinating scrap-book.