New Caledonia & Solomon Islands
19 February 1951
Arrive Noumea, New Caledonia 5.25am
…notorious as a 19th Century penal Colony but now famed for its Old World French atmosphere …French is spoken and intricate grille work lines the city's many overhanging balconies.
Log Abstract…
At: 5.26am (LT) Noumea, New Caledonia arrival
Passage: 2 days, 9 hours, 8 mins.
Voyage Distance: 1,047 miles
Average Speed: 18.33 knots
At: 5.36pm (LT) Noumea departure
Arrival Time
THE CARONIA will arrive at the anchorage in the harbour of Noumea about 6.45am. Passengers will go ashore by ship's tenders commencing at 8am. Consult the ship's bulletin board for full details of tender service.
Departure Time
4pm sharp. The last tender will leave the Quai des Volontaires at 3.30pm for the CARONIA.
Cruise Office Notes
History
The first landing on the Island was made by Captain James Cook in 1774 and the pine-clad ranges with their resemblance to Scotland led him to name the island New Caledonia. For the next 75 years the Island was visited by various navigators, explorers, traders, runaway seamen, and convicts from New South Wales, with missionaries starting to arrive about 1840.
The territory was desired by both the British and the French, although both hesitated in occupying it because of the other. In the 1850s, however, when the crew of a French survey ship was killed and eaten, the French took the decisive step and occupied the Island.
Although some of the mountain tribes still have to be kept in check, the last serious uprising involving cannibalism was in 1917 and was not put down until several months later. American troops were brought in shortly after the beginning of World War II to forestall its expected invasion by the Japanese, and the attendant rebuilding and reconstruction greatly increased the prosperity of the island.
Population
The Island of New Caledonia has a population of approximately 48,000, of whom about one-third are whites. Noumea, the capital, with a population of 14,000, is the second largest town in the South Pacific islands. The natives are Melanesians of the Papuan type and their numbers have been on the decline since the coming of the white man.
Passengers’ Mail
With a number of flights weekly there is excellent airmail service to the United States. Rates are as follows:
- Letters
- 5 grams - 20 cents
10 grams - 35 cents
15 grams - 45 cents - Postcards
- 20 cents
18 February 1951
contd.
Schedule of Shore Arrangements
Excursion S-16 Noumea
Morning
The Noumea excursion will leave the Quai by taxi and motor coach at 8.30am and after driving through this interesting French Colonial capital the route will follow the Corniche Road to Anse Vata, the main European beach resort of Noumea.
It's a former U.S. Army Command Base where the Headquarters of the South Pacific Commission were before being relocated to the Pentagon. At a point on the hillside known as the Old Fortress an excellent view of the mountains, the seashore and the countryside may be obtained.
In the distance may be seen the barrier reef and the lighthouse Amede which is reputed to be the oldest metal-constructed lighthouse in the World and was presented to New Caledonia by Napoleon III.
Continuing through the suburb of Blanchot and the Vallee des Colóns, arrive at St. Louis, a native village and French mission, where there will be a visit. The road proceeds to Plum Beach and the Vallee du Tir and then leads back into Noumea.
Luncheon
A vin compris luncheon will be served at the Grand Hotel Central.
Afternoon
Members of this Excursion will have the afternoon free for shopping until the departure of the last tender for the CARONIA at 3.30pm.
