N. Caledonia Wants

Workers

Signs of a Trade Boom

ALTHOUGH political troubles are acute, French Colony of N.

Caledonia is showing several signs of growing production and of ncreasing trade. It is handicapped y labour shortage, however.

Production of the three chief letals mined there—nickel, chrome nd manganese^—is increasing apidly. In a recent four months f 1952, NC exported 27,800 tons of brome ore, 5,000 tons of manganese re and 3,000 tons of nickle ore. ew mines are opening, mechanisa on is being introduced, and Japan as returned as a purchaser of lese metals.

The Government is taking active eps to increase the Colony’s food •oduction—especially rice—and to iprove the quality of the coffee, hich is one of the island’s staple ops.

The chief problem now is labour, either Javanese nor Tonkinese— ice the French employers’ stand —are now available, and the ;uation is serious. A plan to troduce Japanese labourers has it made progress, because of Aus iha’s unfavourable reaction ft is now suggested that NC take least 1,000 of the Italian workers 10 have been causing near-riots Australia because they cannot t jobs; and this matter was der discussion with the Aus ilian officials by Senator Henri fleur at the end of January, The ilians are more than willing to Australia cannot absorb them ile New Caledonia needs them jperately.