IN NOUMEA

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1940, Page 8

IN NOUMEA

TRAVELLERS’ OPINION. (Per Press Association —Copyright). AUCKLAND, September 16. No indications of, unrest (likely to •lead to open revolt against the Ererich administration of Noumea were noticed by travellers by the American Clipper, which arrived from Noumea, to-day, They reported that the island seemed quiet, though the strongly pro-British opinions reported by 'former Clipper visitors to Noumea had in no way abated.

“I saw no sign of revolt at Noumea, said Mr Julius M. Rappaport, of Pennsylvania. “I was told that a very large majority of the people there are for General de Gaulle, and are strongly in sympathy with Britain.”

Confusion in tlie nickel industry was also reported. Statistics and vital information had been prepared and entrusted to M. Paul Vois, who' had visited Australia. He was returning to Noumea on a ship that was thought to have fallen victim to an enemy raider, and with him had disappeared important documents lie, was carrying* together with much-needed information about the results of his mission. Stocks of nickel were now accumulating, and those on the island did not know how to dispose, of them, or what action to take. ■