New Caledonia on eve of historic vote on split from France It's D-1 before New Caledonia, a tiny French territory in the remote Pacific, goes to the polls to decide whether to seek independence from its rulers on the other side of the world. One of a handful of French island outposts scattered around the globe, the referendum will be a test of the appeal of remaining part of France for such far-flung territories, which are heavily dependent on state handouts but where many feel overlooked by Paris. After years of bitter political feuding between independence advocates and those who are determined to remain part of France, polls suggest a majority will vote against the split. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES