Nouméa

Once, Nouméa was meant to form a base of naval operations, and strongly fortified.

In Nouméa itself there is no industry, and the great export of minerals does not touch the town.

A few small steamers and schooners ply at irregular intervals between Nouméa and the New Hebrides.

These fall into the hands of the big Nouméa companies, and have the greatest trouble in getting out of debt.

Besides these two kinds of French settlers, there is a third, which comes from the penitentiary in Nouméa or its neighbourhood.