THE FRENCH IN THE PACIFIC.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1432, 6 May 1912, Page 6

THE FRENCH IN THE PACIFIC.

IMPROVING PAPEETE HARBOUR. (By Telejraph-Press Association.) • Auckland, May 5. When the Panama Canal is opened towards the end of 1913, Tahiti will lie almost in (he direct 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 u sum of JiDO.OOO is to bo spent in the construction of up-to-date wharves, building of a dry dock capable of accommodating vessels of the largest typo that will be able to work the canal, and in deepening and improving tho approaches to the port. A I'rench magnate was at Papeete when the Tnlune arrived there making arrangements about labour, the supply of material and method of proceeding to carry out the proposed improvements. He travelled on the Talune between two of'tho Island ports and it was learned that the work is to bo commenced in three "or four months. The French warship Zelee, which has been at Sydney for som& weeks undergoing an overhaul, is under orders to return to the Society Islands group. In'terest'attacbes' to the present , cruise from the fact that she is proceeding to the Islands in connection with a coaling base there. Some time ago it was announced that tho French Government had appointed a commission to go into the matter and a number of representatives are aboard the Zolee. At present the Government have a. coal depot for the French Pacific fleet at Papeete.