The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1857-10-15
THE PACIFIC
UUIIIIIICTCIdI AUVCTIIStIs
THURSDAY, OCTOBER Is

A GOVERNMENT is adjudged wise or foolish, ac-
cording to the policy developed in its administra-
ton. 1t differs from individuals chiefly in the
magnitude of its undertakings and the results
which follow its acts, which may be of public
benefit or injury, as they are wise or foolish
All public matters ought to be discussed fully
and freely before they are executed, for it is gen
orally the manner in which they are executed
that causes a difference Of opinion in their expe-
diency or the competency of the persons having
charge of them
This government has never before undertaken
a work of such extent as that of filling in the
water lots. 1t is a work that will require years
to complete it and an outlay of perhaps $780,
600. If it could be executed without embarrass-
ing the government, it should be done by it but
it was the general opinion before the undertaking
was commenced, that it could not be executed
without seriously crippling the finances of the
government, and that it would be the gamer to
dispose of the lots as they were, and allow pur-
chasers to execute the job of filling them in, as
they might be wanted.
An offer was made by capitalists, before any
work had been commenced ON the property, to
purchase the tract for 800, 900. This offer was
not accepted, though by it the government would
have received S7S 900 over the amount paid for
the Queen Dowager's right in it. 1t is very
questionable whether the government will ever
receive that sum from the property, over and
above its cost.
In the last issue of the government journal ap-
pears a notice advertising the lease of a part of
this property. We copy the notice below:
TO BE SOLD, by public auction, on the New Esplanade, on
Years, Qhe rate to be adjusted equiiably by appraisers mutually
chosen at the end Of every twenty-five yearsl Of six lots, to be
seen at the office Of Mr. r. IS. Wood, superintendent of Pub
The six lots extend in line from the premises of Mezsrs. James
Robinson & Co, with an esplanade in front of 143 feet wide,
Purchasers Of the ground lots will have TO pay only the rent
Of each lot, quarterly, semi-annualy or Annually, as MAYBE ar
buildings to conform to the general plan laid down by the gov
convenience Of the public, and safety from fire.
The six lots are d the following dimensions, viz; 4 lots, each
60 feet frontage by l5 feet deepi 2 lots, each IS feet frontage
by las feet deep
TO BE SOLD ALSO, on the same day, the leases Of nine
ground lots for the same period, in rear OF the marine lots, and
lying between the premises Of james Robinson & Co. aud Fort
street. the plans and drawings Of which can be seen at the ONCE
Of the Superintendent Of Public Works, and at the Offices of
Messrs. A. +. Everett and J. +. Colsurn, Auctoneers.
Minister Of the Interior.
Although the notice appears over the name of
Prince Lot, we understand that the plan of
leasing belongs to Mr.. Wyliie. Ever since the
commencement of the work, this mode OF dis
posing of the property has been opposed by those
whose judgment was worthy of respect. And 1t
will be opposed by every man of common sense
The several points of this newly-developed pol
icy are:
LIST. The lots are TO be leased for a term of 100
years.
I'd. The rate of rent is not to remain fixed for
1no ~oo~, b,+ - 10 a1<ara5 averv fxvaofv-6ua
years
Sd. Each lessee is to bind himself to build on
his land such a structure as the government
chooses TO dictate to him.
The above appears to be the plan which the
ministry have judged to be the wisest, and as the
public have get an equal interest in the matter,
il is well to examine the points.
The plan of leasing the lots is of itself poor
policy. To sell the right and title to the land is
the proper course. A man when he purchases