French Fastis Versus Whisky
p. 81 · Read in the full issue
The New Caledonians have lifted the ban on the importation of Fastis, popular French liquor which is especially sought after by metropolitan ench residents. The aniseed-based drink had been banned from the island ars ago through fear of its harmful effects on the indigenous population, ice those days, however, the drink has improved and is said no longer to ntain absinthe.
Members of the Territorial Assembly who decided to lift the import ban ?ued that Fastis is less dangerous than local drinks made from eau-de logne, boot polish or methylated spirits. The aniseed-flavoured alcohol is Iky-coloured in water and sells under such labels as Fastis, Pernod and card. It is drunk as an aperitif in iced water. Those fond of the drink d previously been tempted to smuggle it in from Australia, while it was o possible to enjoy it aboard visiting Australian naval ships and in other ps.
It has argued that the importation of the drink would bolster French de and Assemblyman Jean-Pierre Aifa claimed “Fastis will certainly be ire popular than whisky”. The French administration thus had no reason block the assembly’s decision as being “outside its competence”.
The effect of the French liquor upon future sales of Anglo-Saxon whisky II now be interesting to watch, especially as whisky prices had been kept II within the reach of Melanesian and other workers, guaranteeing a keen irket.
The lifting of the ban, however, brought a wave of late protests from ne Melanesian leaders, who called for its revocation.
The leaders, already concerned, as are many in other Island countries, their fellow Islanders’ difficulty in coping with hard liquor, denounced ’ introduction of pastis as a move destined to “assure Kanaka genocide”, threatened to complete the breakdown and elimination of the Melanesian inic group.
The protests failed, however, when it was indicated that the ban would y lifted.
It is believed business interests are planning to invest in a local pastis tiling plant with which they will build up a profitable export trade with 'ir Anglo-Saxon neighbours.