The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1858-12-02

Totals. Sooo,UU w IONS
The above, we believe, embrace all the planta-
tions now in operation and under way. Two
thousand tons of sugar have never been produced
in one year on these islands, but the plantations
now in progress will probably turn out that
amount in 1860. About one-fourth of the pres
ent produce of sugar is consumed or finds a mar
ket with the shipping; the balance is exported
chiefly to San Francisco and Oregon. The capa-
bilities Of the islands to produce cane, we can
best show by republishing the following para
graphs which appeared in our Journal in 1857,
promising only that the estimate is a very low
one, and that should the future wants of our
sugar interests demand it, double the number of
acres can be found adapted to cane culture:
s.To say that these Islands are destined to become
the west Indies of the North Pacific would be
overrating their capacity for tropical products. The
total area of the eight inhabited Islands is said to be
5000 square miles, or 1897 800 acres. a trife less
than that of the Island of Jamaica. One-eiehth OF
the entire area, or in round numbers, SOC, 900 acres,
It has been estimated is suitabl, for tillaee. And of
this. so 900 acres is a high estimate of the amount
desirable for the culture Of cane. And il we take
into account the absence Of roads through volcanic
and mountainous districts, and the want of harbors
accessible to sailing vessels, the total amount Of sugar
lands, Immediately available, will not exceed % 900
acres. One-half Of this amount is the most that can
economically be put under cultivation in any one
year. And although plant canes, on choice bottom
land have been found to yield, under favorable cir
cumstances, 1000 pounds, and in some cases 5000
pounds per acre, 1000 pounds per acre is the highest
average yield for a series OF years, which can be relied
on.
Upon this calculation 1880 tons is the highest
total yield, of which the Hawaiian Islands are capa-
bic. This amount would supply a population ofabout
800 900. allowing the consumption to be 30 lbs. per
annum per capitum. To realise such Q result would
require and invested capital Of Mt least SO ,0O0,O 900,
and 5000 laborers; and the gross income to the
all the plantations. now in operation (1857) on the
Hawaiian Islands worked to their utmost capabilities,
will not exceed 1000 tons, which is about q six
tenth Of their estimated capabilities.
In regard to the cost of starting a plantation
on these islands, we are permitted to copy from
a letter, written by q sugar planter of experience
whose statements are reliable. The new planta-
ton referred to was to be located some twelve
miles from the nearest port:
Honolulu. January 9, 1858.
DEAR SIR LIN reply to your inquiries respecting
q new sugar plantation, I would say, that with q
cash capital of S30,0O0 the necessary buildings and
machinery, to make at least 200 tons of sugar q year,
can be erected.
These would be about rs follows: A steam engine
Of % horse power. A boiler for the same of 40 horse
power capacity. This to be made for the purpose.
a mill, boiling kettles, CRATES, steam CHARTERS, n
steam kettle and cooler Eight iron are the best for
these lasf.)
TIE buildings necessary:
A boiling and sugar house;
A house for the mill and engines;
A dwelling for the overseer and conductor;
A house for small stores;
A small carpenters shop and alsoa blaeksmith's
o''E+ 49, Er