THE NEW HEBRIDES

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1929, Page 6

THE NEW HEBRIDES

FRENCH INFLUENCE RAPIDLY

EXTENDING

AUCKLAND, August 29

A prediction that before long the New Hebrides will be completely under French control was made by the Rev. G, E.- F. Leggatt, a member of the Melanesian Mission, who arrived at Auckland by the mission steamer Southern Cross. Mr Leggatt is accompanied by the Rev. A. A. Butclmrt. Doth are missionaries from England, who have spent several years in Melanesia. They are at present stationed at Banks Island, in the New Hebrides. Both were emphatic that the difficulties arising from eondomininum showed no improvement. The natives were treated very badly by the French, and it would be a sorry day for the natives when 'the slight British influence still remaining was withdrawn. The methods of recruiting native labour,' and the supplying of sly grog to the natives were the chief causes of trouble.

“ French influence seems to be growing daily,” Mr Leggatt said. “ French planters are rapidly buying up all land in the islands, and a number of British settlers, and practically all the .Japanese, have become naturalised tfrench subjects, so that they can receive the same treatment." At present there seems little chance of any improvement in the general condition.?’

Word was brought by the Southern Cross of an outbreak of infantile paralysis in the Solomon Islands. Cases were not exceptionally numerous, but the death-rate was high.