CASINO AT TAHITI.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1921, Page 2

CASINO AT TAHITI.

FRANCHISE GRANTED. PAPEETE (Tahiti) September 5. For many years there has been desultory talk of establishing a modern Monte Carlo here. At last the phm has assumed a definite form. The French Government has just granted an American company a franchise empaneling it to build aiul operate a drinking palr.ee and gambling casino within less than two miles of tho capital of Die Society Islands.

preparations for the construction of this resort have been quietly under

way tor sunn* months, but they were n „t concluded until ton Jays »"u with t| u , granting of tho concession almvemimeil. A tract of approximately AO acres will 1.0 tho sit.- of tho resort. Around this miniature paradise, where eoeoanut trees and the flaming seariet hibiscus abound, a high fence of *>:- luunental design "ill be built of coral rock and steel. All natives will he forbidden entrance, nor will others be permitted access until they have passed the vise of the chief of police, the idea brine to know who’s who within the compound. The popular outlies of chances ahoon 1ine at Monte Carlo will - have full swing here, and the several cafes to he operated under the concession "ill dispense a wide variety of beverages. The prevailing drink at the cluhs today is the native rum punch which the connoisseurs have declared the la'st ever , ,::-c,i:rded by tli - ■ , : : 1! C , :.. ’ t tile c'erele Bolirgainvillc, the democratic club of Papeete, this nectar is sold at a franc. The franc now being worth about sixpence. At the new casino the

same drink may sell for half « franc I 'more. The rum is made here. A drink just now proving a favourite with the Australasians and Americans visiting here, among whom of late New Zealanders have been numerous, is made of rum or brandy mixed with the milk of a eoeoanut lime ill ice and cane syrup. At the casino this will he properly trapped and served with straws.* The site of the proposed casino is one of tin- most picturesque imaginable. It is unlikely that the casino can he opened in less than 10 months for all enterprises involving human labour are operated here under many delays and complications due to the slow habits of the people and the long distances over which materials must he transported. Accommodation for 200 guests will he provided in the lirst unit, but other units will he added as required. Outside capital is obtaining important concessions here for sundry enterprisep. The brewery which was established here two years ago, is just enlarging its cold storage plant in older to provide extra floor space for n New Zealand firm which will soon increase its offerings of beef and mutton at a price lower than that now prevailing.