The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1858-02-18
NOTES OF THE WEEK.

q The soree given on Friday evening by Capt.
Marigny and the officers of the brig-of-war .Alcibiade
was, without exception, the most brilliant gathering
that Honolulu has witnessed for many a day. The
brig was moored for the occasion alongside the
wharf, which circumstance added much to the plea
sure and comfort OF the visitors, particularly of the
ladies, and took off the unpleasantness which attends
boating, and the ~vexation which follows q too close
contact Of silks and salt water. The arrangements
and decorations of the various parts of the vessel
were superb, rejecting credit on those who had the
conduct of them. The only drawback to the fullest
comfort Of the entertainment, and which the foresight
Of the officers could not have obviated, was the want
of room on board the brig. When the gallant COM
mander and his agreeable officers revisit Honolulu
we trust they may be in charge Of a longer keel and
broader beam, corresponding with the largeness Of
their hearts, though they need never fear any other
than a hearty welcome, should they return in the
.4lcibiade. -
DOMESTIC SIIMULASTs.-In some of the retired dis
tricts Of the islands where cologne is dear and { g for
eign still'' is never seen, the people resort for stimu-
lants to the use of fermented sweet potatoes, which
they call lailai. The local authorities-judges and
constables-are prompt to bring the jewellers to trial
and fine, and SO as a general thing, the drinking is
done in secret and under cover of night. Should
eOne CHIEF, noWeNer, ituu II SANCTION OF MS example
to the practice, all disguise is thrown off, and men
and women swallow lailai as long as their stomachs
will hold it. One would think that Thompson had
witnessed one of these orgies:
"Thus as they swim in mutual swm, the talk,
vociferous at once from twenty tongues,
Reels fast from theme to theme :; from horses, dogs,
To church or mistress, politics or ghost,
In endless mazes, intricate, pcrplex'd."
A correspondent at Kailua complains of the carou-
sails which have been recently carried on there under
the cloak of a bridal party from Hilo. He says that
men and women have been openly drunk night and
day to the great scandal Of the soberly disposed por-
ton Of the inhabitants.
OcrAGoN HousE-We learn that the frame is now
being got out for a dwelling to be erected in the octa-
gon style as a residence for President Beckwith, a lit
tie north Of the present buildings at Punahou. The
first story will be octagon, but the second story is to
be square. so that the building will not be purely
octagon. This style for dwellings is becoming quite
popular in the United States, and we should like to
see it introduced here.
KAHooIAwE FOR LEAsE.-By reference to our adj
vertising columns it will be seen that Mr.. A. P.
Everett will offer for lease, on the first of April next,
the island of Kahoolawe. The island contains about
%, 900 acres, a portion Of which is suitable for a sheep
range. There are at present no inhabitants on the
island and we Delieve there mas peen none since 1t
was used as q penal settlement.
CHINESE New YEAR's.-Sunday last, February IA,
was New Years Day with the Chinese portion of our
population, but, living among the outside barba-
rians'' they postponed its celebration until Monday.
That day and evening the police were busy, and nu-
merous long-tailed and crop-tailed ~celestials were ar
rested for fast riding, firing crackers, &c. Among
the various causes Of arrest Of the Chinese, it is wor-
thy Of remark that getting drunk is seldom laid
to their charge. -
q Capt. Ross Of the Gillian bark .aier. Garegos,
has sent us for planting q specimen of the Tombez
sweet potato. brought by him from Peru, the vines on
which are some eighteen inches in length. Perhaps
some gardner would like to secure the specimen for
planting. -
Their Majesties returned from their tour to
Hawaii on Friday last in the steamer Viren. having
been absent about three weeks.
q Since the departure Of the Fanny Major three
numbers Of the Commercial have been issued, which
can be had at our counter. They contain q full SUM
mary ~ local Rew&.