in Tahiti

Some red faces in Tahiti

There was consternation in French Polynesia late January when all aero dromes were ordered to fly flags at half-mast as a sign of mourning.

Distant islanders tuned in vain to Radio Tahiti for an explanation.

The general apprehension was shared by Governor Videau when he arrived at the Raiatea aerodrome, about 400 kilometres from Tahiti.

Since no one could explain the flags at half-mast, he radioed Papeete.

There were red faces at Civil Aviation headquarters when it was discovered the orders for lowering aerodrome flags had gone out by mistake. Someone filing documents had found instructions dating from the 1974 death of President Georges Pompidou and the message had been relayed as a current one.

The islands were quickly retrieved from a state of national mourning as counter orders returned flags to the mast tops.

French Polynesia's

big spending

French Polynesia’s Territorial Assembly has approved budget ex penditure of 10,071 million CFP (SA9O million), in 1975.

The budget report pointed out that the current year is expected to be a difficult one and it is hoped that the planned expenditure will help main tain activity as far as employment, commerce and industry are con cerned.

Six autonomist members voted against the budget and two others abstained.