The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1856-08-07
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
TIfURSD4Y, AUGUST 7.

this city on the 30th ult. The public we're not disaf-
pointed with the result was all they expected for
the interest in the exhibitions has been decreasing
from various causes for the past three years, till now,
notwithstanding the united efforts of two societies, the
show is but a b~urlesque on former exhibition-an un-
fair representation Of tie capabilities of our islands,
or the industry, skill AMI perseverance OF our farm
lers, planters, herdsrnen, gardeners, and housewives.
1t was fortunate, then, that the President of the
Society moved that the annual exhibitions be discon-
tinued-fortunate alike for the credit of the Society
and the reputation of the Hawaiian Kingdom, for the
shows would be and are taken by curious lookers-on,
as aa index of what We are, as shown by cur best
efforts. Ifthree cart loads Of show products, a water
melon, q squash, two ganders, a Geek and hen, are
all we can call together with twelve months efforts,
then let us discontinue our fairs till the need Of them
is felt again, and let each producer take pride in
showing on his own land and under his own fg-tree,
what his industry and perseverance can accomplish
Various reasons have been assigned for the decrease
of interest in the exhibitions, among them the want
of steam communication between the islands, and the
expense and risk attending the efforts of those resi-
ding on the other islands necessary to exhibit their
produce or stock. But steam communication was not
necessary to produce the exhibitions of 1852 and 3,
which were a credit to the Society and the kingdom.
JIG y TIC DLiICtpII CduSCS, ~ oOtO As u SC1ICtdt
conviction that the good arising from the efforts of
exhibitors is not a compensation for the expense in
CURED by them, or the benefits of the Society equally
shared by all. Perhaps o rule of the Society by
which the expenses of members living on the other
islands and sending articles to the fair, if another is
ever held, should be borne by the Society, would be
productive of good results. The objects of the soci-
ETY. are to promote the Interests of the agricultarists
and Of Tho Kip41om 1nt tIa YoaocrrnC foto, ho v1,,t
nual assembling here of the farmers and their pro
ducts from all the islands are less than in most coun-
tries but the Obstacles, whatever they are, should
be overcome by a judicious plan of aiding the plant
ers and growers throughout our Kingdom.
Would it not be an improvement to have an an
nual fair got up to some extent after the German
custom, at which auctions are held, and each produ-
Ger brings forward his choice cattle, horses, fowls,
wares, or produce of any and every kind, to be sold
at public auction or not sold as he may choose, some
perhaps for the benefit of the Society, and the rest for
the benefit of the owner IL well carried out and
public notice were given to all, foreigners and natives,
producers on the other islands would soon find the
fairs an attraction worthy of their personal attention.
1t is true that auctions are held now, but the impress
sion prevails that they are only intended for the
benefit of the society.
Although premiums were awarded by the different
committees at the late fair TO the amount of about
$3.50, yet the number of articles really meritorious
were very few. In many eases, and perhaps a major
ity of them, premiums were given where there was no
competition. This is all well enough, no doubt but
it shows to what a low state the interest in the fairs
has fallen. O the 1870 awarded, all but about $50
was awarded to residents in Honolulu or on this island.
whose expenses incurred must have been very triaing
compared with those of exhibitors from abroad.
A half hour was sufficient to examine the articles
exhibited in the COURTROOM, consisting mostly of veg
etables, some of them very fair but none of extraor-
binary merit. The flowers exhibited were fewer than
we had expected to see, considering the increased at
tention paiu to their cultivation in and about town.
Ten premiums We notice, were awarded for flowers.
A sample of cotton raised at Lahaina, by Mr. Gu
dinot, elected admiration. Those who have dealt in
the article and are familiar with it, say that its quail
ity is extra fine, and that if picked with care, it win
be found superior and merchantable. Can it be that
here lies nnnoticed q mine, which if properly worked
may yield its golden treasures to enrich our people J
Can it be that this article of cotton, that may yet
become O staple product Of this Kingdom, lies dis
carded, neglected, rHlrewarded by our Society? A
premium of 500 was suggested last year (but not
offered) for the best sample of 900 pounds. Such
a premium would not be more than-a just compensa-
ton for the efforts Of producing a fair sample of our
island cotton. And $25 should be added for a second
best sample. Ifi should be found on trial to be an
article competing successfully in the English market
with that of American growth, no better remittance
would be desired by our merchants than this. IF
good, this cotton ought to be worth here 10 cents per
pound. The price in Liverpool, if we are not naista-
ken is about Is cents for ordinary American.
There are other articles exhibited worthy of an
honorable mention, including samples of wool but
as we hope to publish some of the Committee reports.
we leave them for the present.
The following is the list of premiums awarded
J. Meek, best imported Bull, cup or SIS.
C. G. Hopkins, best native Bull, silver medal 50.