NEW CALEDONIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 293, 11 December 1899, Page 4

NEW CALEDONIA.

The Governor of New Caledonia, on the eve of . his departure from that colony for Europe, was entertained at a banquet, when he made an announcement of some interest to these colonies. He intimated that the French Government has decided to gradually discontinue the despatch of convicts to New Caledonia, and as a first .step the hiring of convicts under contract to work the mines and for agricultural operations will be put a stop to. It is-hoped that this step will result in the introduction of free labour from France or. elsewhere to work the mines, and that free immigrants will be encouraged to come into the country; His' Excellency stated that during his sojourn in France he will visit the centres of industry, in that country, and point out to the workmen the advantages they might gain by emigrating to New Caledonia. But ■if, he added, they failed in the movement to get French workmen, there [were other sources from which they might get the necessary help; and*, he especially instanced Piedmont, many of the natives of which were employed in France; the sober and industrious Spanish, and the Tyrolian labourers, who were highly spoken of. And, failing- these, and as a last resort, there were the. Japanese. The discontinuance of transportation to New Caledonia is good news for the Australian colonies which have suffered from their proximity to this criminal depot. The development of the resources*of the island in a legitimate manner would' also contribute to Australian trade, • .