The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1878-01-26
The Centennial of Discovery,

A correspondent informs us. was celebrated at
Lahaina on the 18th instant with festivities and a
manifestation of great public interest.
His ExcclIency ". L.. Mophonua, Governor of
Maui. had a preliminary unofficial meeting at his
Office on the morning of the 18th. ON which occa-
sion various committees were appointed to carry
out the order of the Day of Discovery. and Mr..
Walter NJ. Gibson was appointed orator.
On the eve of the day celebrated the slee
troupes of Lahaiua, who can boast OF Il preemi-
hence in the sweet chorus singing peculiar to Ha-
waiIans. sercnaded officials and some private resi-
dents with songs commemorative of the coming of
Captain Cook and Of Hawaiian civilization.
On the morning Of the 18th Il numerous and re-
spectacle audience, of various nationalities. assem-
bled at the old Missionary meeting house of Wal
nee. The Rev. y. Pail invoked the blessing of
Jehovah, the One Almighty God, upon the occa-
sion of commemorative the coming of the Discov-
erer, and the opening of the way to the light, and
knowledge, and peace in Hawaii during the past
hundred years. The choir of Wainee. assisted by
several amateurs, sang an appropriate jubilee
hymn.
His EXcellency the Governor then remarked that
this was not an official celebration, nor the getting
up of any one individual. He wished it under
stood that he and his fellow citizens Of Lahaina
l'JOISSd " Il y lHO oPpOltuuNy ~ dht pdIG III
the commemoration of the most important epoch
in Hawaiian history, and then introduced to the
audience the orator of the day, Mr.. Walter Murray
Gibson, who made an address in the Hawaiian Ian
guage. Owe regret that this came to hand too late
for insertion in our present issue. but purpose to
give it in full in our next)
The Hon. Luther Aholo, Representative of La
haina, being invited by the Governor to come for
ward. expressed his gladness to participate with
foreign friends in the celebration of the day. He
said: Whatever jealousies we may have, We all
recognize the immense advantages of civilization
introduced by the coming of Capt. Cook. We
represent the arts and costumes OF the Discoyerer
and his followers. and not of our savage forefath-
crs. lie then commented Oh the part he had taken
in the Legislation of the country. and alluding es-
pecially to one subject spoken of by the orator of
the day. the Introduction OF the electric wire. He
had favored an enterprise now commenced. which
was 10 extend the magnetic wire throughout the
Kingdom. (Applause.)
Hon. f. Napaepae, cX-Represcntaiive of Lahaina.
made some remarks in Il humorous strain. He
hoped there was not TO be any inquiry Instituted
III respect to the death OF Captain Cook at the end
Of Il hundred years, as he did not want TO be held
responsible for the conduct of his ancestors. He
was glad that one intuition Of the savagcs had
been maintained, a pig and poi diet. which would
be amply illustrated on this day. His two friends
before him had gone the rounds of government
and law. and of all things high and low; but he
was content with the good things which the day
afforded. (Much laughter and applause.)
His Excellency Governor MOehonua. observed in
conclusion-that this should be Il proud day for
Lahaina. She had done her best to celebrate in Il
betting manner the Centennial of Discovery.
lie wondered at the apathy throughout the country
i'll respect to the day. He thought that public men,
and all religious teachers should have awakened
attention to the celebration of the most important
event in Hawaiian history. He had not heard of
anything being done elsewhere to celebrate the
day, therefore. he said, L hope the report of our
proceedings will be headed with this motto:
.. En nn n Mani ~ Mani - nhnnl
After another jubilee hymn, the Governor then
invited all present to partake of an ample feast at
the "Armory," which had been provided for by
the liberality of residents of Lahaina.
The Rev. Father Schaefer. Catholic pastor of
of Lahaina. accompanied His Excellency in his
carriage to the feast. Improvised tables were
loaded down with abundant supply of the pig
and poi of the forefathers. About two hundred
persons partook OF the feast, but sufficient food
was provided for over four hundred guests. And
thus the day passed off with great festiyity and a
high awakened public interest in Lahaina.
Among other things growing out of the occasion
is expected to establish 4 free reading room.
lyceum or library for Lahaina.