The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1878-06-29
WATER.

OF all the elements conducive to the comfort
of mankind, the most important is an abundant
supply of pure, wholesome water, and this album
dant supply is affected by eircumsta noes well
known and generally admitted. The testimony
of history is universal and cannot be contro-
verted, that the clearing of the forests and wood
lands, in a few generations turns the most fertile
country into a desert. This being the result of
natural laws, We ought not to be surprised that
the penalty for their disregard or violation is
sure to follow. So well is this axiom now becom-
ing understood in some countries, that the Guilt
walton of forests is encouraged by legislative &C
ton, and inducements held out to promote tree
culture by the people, who are generally ready
to second every reasonable effort in this direc-
ton. Drouths, with their consequent train
of famine, pestilence and death, are the
inevitable effects of the destruction, by whatever
means, of forests in every country all over the
earth where such a suicidal course has been fol-
lowed or allowed. Proper legislation will con-
troll the evil, in a great measure. and provide a
remedy which would be quite effective in a few
years. The planting of trees should be consld-
cred a duty that every man owes to the country,
III u dlLIlu pCLAOAL HONAA ~ NASNA@
aged even by liberal payments from the public
treasury.
Public health and comfort are intimately con-
nected with a bountiful supply of good water.
This truism only needs to be stated to acquire
acceptance from all. and the next point to be con-
sIdered is, how shall such supply be obtained? The
first step to be taken is to remove the causes that
are drying up our springs and streams, and that
has been already mentioned. This has been done
by the Government 90 far as Nuuanu Valley is
concerned, and to this fact it is owing that the
people of Honolulu did not suffer the horrors of
a water famine last winter and spring. The
Ministry abolished the COW pasture - at the
head of the Valley, several years ago, and now
the rain that falls there, owing to the vegetation,
is retained and supplies the springs and streams.
Thus the good effect of their wise action is al
ready becoming apparent.
But there is still Il good deal to be done to Sc
cure us against future contingencies. 1--WE need
another and more capacious reservoir. We must
remember that cur city is constantly growing,
and every year increases the consumption of
water. A prolonged dry season, even now, with
only one reservoir, would infict upon us a dire
full evil The knowledge of such a possibility
renders it ncumben upon us to act in season for
its prevention. a second reservoir, in which a
large amount can be kept in store, is the thing
needed. Then let us have it. A liberal grant
was voted for this object by the Assembly of
1876, but it was not used. Surveys were made
and plans drafted, but no further action was
taken. We hope some of our Honolulu Legisla-
tors will think of these things, quit snarling at
the Ministry, and immortalize themselves by
identifying their names with an increased water
supply for Honolulu, we hear that $40 900 is the
item in the Bill for 1859, for s'Water Supply for
Honolulu" We hope it will be made mandatory
upon the Ministry to expend the whole of this
sum, if necessary, to provide this city with an
abundant supply of water for all our wants. If
required, take in Manoa and Kalihi Valleys, as
well as Nuuanu, quiet all the native water rights
upon fair and just terms, and divert all the water
of the three valleys for the supply of the town.
This may seem extravagant, now, but tits what
will have to be done in a few years.