Note 208 — Chapter II · GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SLAVERY.

Rochas, describing the New Caledonians, writes: “Slavery does not exist in the New Caledonian society”208. Lambert tells us that the only division into social classes is that between the chief and his parents and the common people. Captive children are adopted and enjoy all the privileges of their adoptive parents’ own children209. Brainne informs us, that there are two social classes: chiefs of various kinds, and serfs; the latter term probably means the common people. De Vaux and Legrand make no mention whatever of slaves210. According to Glaumont there are four classes, the fourth of which is composed of slaves (en-dji-dio)211. But no further particulars are given about these slaves in his rather long article. Taking all this in consideration, we are justified in concluding that slavery does not exist.