TAHITI AND PANAMA CANAL.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13411, 8 May 1912, Page 5

TAHITI AND PANAMA CANAL.

INCREASED IMPORTANCE OF

TAHITI

[United Press Association.]

Auckland, May 5. When the Panama Canal is opened towards the end of 1913, Tahiti will lie almost in the diroct route of shipping between European and Eastern American ports and Australia and.New Zealand, and will in all probability, become an important port of call. The Talune, which arrived from the Cook and Society Islands yesterday, brought information that a French syndicate, under the auspices of the French Government, intends to carry out harbour improvements on a very •extensive scale at Papeete (Tahiti) in view of the approaching opening of the canal. It is stated that a sum of £90,000 is to be ©pent in the .construction of up-to-d^te wharves, building of a dry dock capable of accommodating-vessels of the largest type that will be able to work the canal, and in deepening and improving; the approaches to the port. A French magnate was at Papeete when the Talune arrived there, making arrangements l .about labour, the supply of material and method of proceeding to carry out the proposed improvements. He travelled on the Tahme between two of the Island port's, and it was learned that the work is to be commenced in three or four months.

The French warship Zelee, .which has been at Sydney for some weeks undergoing an overhaul, is jmder orders to return to the Society Islands group. Interest attaches to the present cruise from the fact that Bhe. is proceeding to the Islands in connection with » coaling base there. Some time ago it was announced that the French Government had appointed a commission to go into the matter and a number of representatives are aboard the Zelee. At present the Government have a coal depot for tlie French Pacific fleet at Papeete.

CABLE NEWS

[ Pkess Association —Cor.yniGnT. J