THE NEW HERBIDES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 95, 21 April 1906, Page 6

THE NEW HERBIDES.

VTSITED BY THE GOVERNOR OF NOUMEA.

The Governor of Xew Caledonia, Tho is also High Commissioner for the Pacific, has lately paid a visit to the New Hebrides. He left Noumea in F.M.S. Padfique on March 13, and yeas absent about 11 days, returning in the. same vessel, la the course of his trip he visited the chief towns in the Archipelago, being accompanied by M. Bord, Deputy Commissioner, and was everywhere received in the most cordial manner. Captain Rason, the British Commissioner, entertained him. atd the courtesy was -duly returned. The Governor inspected many of the chief stations of the French settlers, and a round of festivities was indulged in. The object of the Governor's visit was to keep in. touch with his compatriots and to maintain a bond of sympathy between them and the neighbouring French colony and the mother ■■ country. A number of local matters, were brought under his Excellency's notice, amongst which was the need of improved roads and additional schools, for which the residents expressed a willingness to tax themselves. The Governor promised to do his utmost to carry out their wishes.

Another matter dealt with, and which just now seems to be exciting a deal of interest, was that of recruiting native labour.. A desire was expressed. that professional recruiting should be prohibited, since it led to many abuses ■which compromised the safety of the settlers, and made it difficult for them to. keep on friendly terms with the natives. The' settlers said they were quite prepared' themselves to engage : what labour they needed. The French Governor led the residents to believe that their wishes in this respect would be complied with, stating that the department had been already appealed to in the matter. ." .' . ■