PAPEETE  , the

capital of the Pacific island of Tahiti, and the chief port and trading centre, and the seat of government of the French establishments in Oceania . Pop . 4280 (2500 French) . The town, lying on the north-west coast of the island, on a beautiful harbour entered by two passages through the protecting reef, and backed by five mountains, is French in character as far as concerns the richer quarters . It has a cathedral, barracks and arsenal, government buildings and a botanical garden . The Chinese quarter and the picturesque native market contrast strongly with the European settlement . Of the entrances to the harbour, which is of fair extent and depth, that of Papeete has about seven fathoms depth; that of Taunoa is shallower, though wider and more convenient .