The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1878-05-11

and that the road labor, as administered, is but
little more than a sham. He gives the reason
why it is so, and recommends that the labor
should be committed for money. This would be
better both for the people and for the roads, for
in case of such Communication the Government
would have funds to be specially applied for this
object, and could see that fair labor was bestowed
upon the roads so far as the money SO commute
would hold out. a change in the law regulating
the road labor cannot but be conducive to the
general welfare. We hope the members of the
Assembly will act upon this subject promptly,
wisely and fairly to all the interests involved.
The great fire of the 18th of December last
has called attention to the needs Of the Fire De-
partment for additional and more powerful ap-
paratus than we have had heretofore. The Min
lister recognizes this want, and has inserted an
item in the estimates for the purchase of a steam
fre-engine, which. added to the one already or
dered by the Chinese residents, will afford prop
erty owners in this city a great feeling of relief
from the danger that so constantly threatens the
town with destruction.
We now arrive, in His Excellency's Report, at
one of the most important subjects that has ever
engaged the attention of the Government, that is,
the survey of Government Lands and a general
survey of the country, founded upon an accurate
system of triangulation. When we consider how
the whole fabric of society rests almost entirely
upon the tenure Of lands, and that accurate
boundaries are so absolutely essential to all the
rights of ownership, the Importance of this sub
ject cannot be over-estimated. There must be
complete and perfect stability of titles to the
soil, for all permanent improvements or invest
ments depend upon this qualification. No one
will spend or invest money upon lands with a
clouded title, nor will any one buy from those
who cannot show a clear and undoubted owner
ship and right to sell. Money expended in EN-
ploying surveyors to map out the boundaries of
the different lands of the Kingdom, is money well
spent. Mr.. Alexander's report shows good work
done during the biennial period. He makes
some suggestions for the continuing of the work,
and states that the sum Of S21 900 is needed for
the purpose.
His Excellency gives the particulars of the
building and sale to Mr.. S. G. Wilder, of the
steamer Likehke, and says there are good reasons
for wishing to see a second steamer in our island
waters. Proposals have been made to the Gov
eminent to put on a steamer similar to the Like
ike, but smaller, to run to Kauai at a subsidy of
$500 per month. Whether this would be fair to
the owner of the Likehke may be questioned,
that is, if other parties have made the offer
spoken of.
The appropriation for anchors, buoys and
landings has been overdrawn. improvements in
this direction need a liberal sum, and money ex-
pended for the development of the business and
resources of the Kingdom, is not thrown away.
The repairs and erection of wharves and Govern
ment buildings may be considered as belonging
to this branch of the Report.
The Honolulu Water Works have cost the
Government, up to the present time, 500 ,688.
The receipts have been $28, 900, and the expenses,
So, 000-leaving a clear gain for the biennial
period of $4,000, or an interest of about 9 per
cent. upon the money invested. The Minister
enters fully into the question of water supply
for the city, and points out the various sources
and plans by which it may be increased. His
Excellency evidently recognizes the fact that
90 cleanliness Is next to godliness,' - and desires
that we shall not be stinted in our supply of this
necessary element. The public will heartily sec
ond his wishes on this point. If any extensive
enlargement of the works is undertaken, the
Government suggest that the franchise of sup
plying the city with water be conveyed to private
parties, or the creation of a I" Water Board, -
with a power to deal with the whole subject, and
that the cost be levied on the property of Homo
lulu. If this last plan should be adopted, free
water would soon follow. In view of necessary
works for an increase of the water supply, an
appropriation of SAC, 900 is asked for.
His Excellency enters largely into the subject
of Immigration noting what has been done by
the Board In the past, and what is to be hoped
for in the future. OF the immigrants arriving
In the Kingdom, over 5000 are Chinese, that is,
nearly 6 per cent. of the population consists of
these people, about all of whom are males. The
Government have sought in different directions,
to supply our wants, but hitherto without the
desired success. The East Indias, Madeira Is
lands, and Islands of the South Pacific have been
looked to with a good deal of hope, especially
the two latter, and a vessel was expected in Feb
ruary last as the result of Capt. Mist's mission
to the Fijis, in August preceding. For some
reason this vessel has not yet arrived. The Min
lister says his recital of the operations of the
Board describes hopes entertained, rather than
results accomplished, and recognizing the neces-
stiles of the Kingdom as to population and labor,
recommends an appropriation of $50, 900 for
immigration purposes.
In view of the great advance in material pros
perity, and the commercial prospects of the
country, His Excellency has not deemed it neces-
sary to recommend any increase of taxation.
This fact may lead to efforts in the Assembly to
lift some of the burdens now 50 much disliked by
the people, particularly the horse and dog tax.
The Minister closes his Report with an express
in which all who love the country and peo-
pie will heartily unite: The life of the nation
is an object we'll worthy of our endeavors and
deliberations" and to the wisdom and sound
Judgment of the Assembly he commits it. May
His Excelleney's hopes be fully realized