Franc Revaluation

Hits N. Caledonia

THE recent revaluation of the French franc has caused con fusion and considerable resent ment in New Caledonia which depends on imports from Australia for about 90 per cent, of its food.

Following interventions of the High Commissioner for France in the Pacific and New Caledonian Parliamentary representatives, the Minister of Colonies has announced that he is conferring with the Minister of Finances in an endeavour to lighten the burden placed on the New Caledonian economy.

If nothing is done it is expected that cost of living will rise by about 30 per cent, in New Caledonia.

Already Messageries Maritime has advised that freight rates between Sydney and Noumea will rise by 20 per cent.

The financial difficulties of France are appreciated; but it is obvious that Paris did not consider the implications of the revaluation in places like New Caledonia. t Two Suva City Councillors, Crs.

W. E. Goodsir, Deputy Mayor, and J. B. Turner, have resigned. Cr.

Goodsir resigned on medical advice, and Cr. Turner, who went to Aus tralia for health reasons, has decided to remain in the Common wealth.

t The discovery last month, in a re mote village in Western Papua, of the badge and baton of a London Metropolitan policeman, reminded historians that, some time between 1880 and 1890, several London police uniforms were presented by the

London authorities to the new Ad ministration. It was then called “British New Guinea”, to distinguish it from the equally new “German New Guinea”, next door. The uniforms were distributed among native village constables, but were not regarded as a sartorial success.