The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1877-01-13
THE PACIFIC
GOmmertlalA0btrt
SATURDAY. JANUARY ID.

The GREAT need of these isI ,nds is population.
With an Incompatible climate, and with an area.
of cultivable soil capable of supporting a popu-
latiou of q million souls, se have only q little
more than half a hundred thousand. OF course
il is very evident that under these circumstances
nothing like a thorough de~velopement Of the re-
sources Of the country can be expected. With
out the men to till the soil the boon OF recipro-
city, for which we have striven for 50 many
years, will in the end prove of bu, meagre re-
suits, compared with what it might be if We had
the people wherewith to improve our grand OPP
portunity. How shall we get the needed popula-
ton? should now be the all-important question
with Hawaiian statesmen. And We are glad to
think that in this view we are at one with those
who are at the head Of affairs that the reign of
the pessimists is at an end, and that an honest
and earnest attempt will be made to procure the
immigration that we need.
Unquestionably there are thousands of - men
with small means and families " in Europe and
America who, if they could be communicated
with, would gladly avail themselves of the OPP
portunities for the comparatively speedy acquisi-
tion of independence and competency which
would be offered them in these islands. We
know Of estates the proprietors of which stand
ready to-day to give to actual settlers alternate
sections of fifty acres of land, rent free for FIVE
years, with the privilege Of timber for fencing.
etc. We know of others who offer free rental of
good sugar land, adjacent to a mill, for a term of
years. together with the means for cultivation
and support for a man and family, for half the
crop raised. Better terms than these could not
certainly be asked or expected. A few families
r 4 ~ -~k $500 l-A - i'll a -
with the handsome prospects that would open up
before them, and they themselves would prove
the best of immigration agents by the reports
they would send back to their old homes.
The circular issued last week by the Board of
Immigration, which we subjoin, is the initial
step in the right direction, and indicates quite
plainly that the slnmber in which for years that
body has been wrapped is at last broken. The
Board is awake and alive to the duties which
properly belong to it, and sees the possibilities of
usefulness that it may accomplish. We trust
that those to whom the circular is addressed will
recognize the spirit of enterprise with which it
is inspired, and promptly respond with the infor-
nation sought, as well as by giving any addi-
tional hints of value to the Board which may
occur to them.
HONOLULU, JANUARY 8, 1877.
SIR,-The Board of Immigration would be pleased
TO know if. on any of the estates of which you may
be agents or owners. on which sugar, coffee, rice, or
wool or other products are raised, any facilities will
be off red to agriculturists who may be induced to
immigrate to these islands with families? If you
can offer any lands to be cultivated on shares, or
wages, or any fOcks or herds to be tended on shares
or wages? will you kindly advise the Board of the
locality, the kind of produce to he raised, the share
or wages to be given to the %cultivatOr also what
amount of capital, if any, would be necessary? IF
you have or can prepare a prospectus of the proposed
business with the advantages likely to accrue to the
immigrant. will you furnish the Board with a number
of them for distribution abroad through the agency
of II. II. MS. COnsuls? Would you be willing to
reimburse the Board for any advances made to such
immigrants as might be induced to come here and
accept your proposals.
4 The Board of immigration is in hopes by giving
publicity to the advantages now enjoyed by ngricul-
turists in this country to. induce the immigration of
men with small means aud families from various
countries, thus adding to the population, more of an
intelligent class of agriculturists whose presence will
improve the country socially, and add to the value
of estates by creating a demand for lands fit for till
age or pasture.
It has been suggested to the Board, that in Ger
many and other countries there are agricultural
oCuSotSBo OnS v ~ 6AaNA0NO VI "HNNA Hi6A ~ ~
ducedato come to this country if certain of employ
ment at moderate wages, for one or two years, thus
furnishing a class of men who would grow into over
seers and managers of estates, or farmers on their
own account, and supplying a want which will grow
greater as the class of common laborers increases. IF
any such can be induced to come, will you find en-
ployment for any, for how many and at what wages?
In view of the interests of this country and of all
who are owners or cultivatOrs of the soil, or engaged
in raising sheep or cattle. the Board hopes it will
have your CO. cooperation, and that you will be able to
offer some inducements to intending Immigrants.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the
Cousuls and Representatives of the Government
abroad, will assist the Board in its endeavor to in
duce immigration and render such assistance to
worthy immigrants as the means at the disposal of
the Board will admit. g.t--.-t.t1
By giving an early and careful consideration to
this circular and communicating with either of the
Committed in person or by letter,
You will oblige,
So Il 4 w. L. GREEN,
ii. A. P. CARTER,
COMMITTEES of the Board of Immigration.