The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1880-01-03
z PACIFIC
GOmlnfrtiaiA


The RECENT prevalence of malarial fever in
this city having directed public attention to the
subject of sanitary measures, the question of pro-
yiding a general system OF sewerage has been
much talked Of. As a matter of course, the alb
stract fact being admitted that such q system if
properly carried out, would be an excellent thing
for the health Of the city-the conclusion is at
once arrived at by some that it is the duty of
government to undertake the work, irrespective
of considerations of cost or other obstacles that
might be in the way. There is indeed much to
be thought of, and carefully weighed, before an
adequate system of sewerage can be provided for
this city. There are grave engineering questions
to be met, the solution of which will tax the skill
of experienced men, not the least of which ques-
tions will be. how to dispose of the sewage. We
understand however that the whole subject has
been under consideration by the government, and
that steps have been taken to obtain plans and
stimates.
In connection with the discussion of measures
for the special benefit of the capital, inevitably
comes up the question of a municipal govern
ment. While most people who have lived under
municipal governments in other countries, will
readily concede that this city could be better
governed and better taken care of by a Mayor
and Board of Aldermen chosen by the citizens
than by a Ministry with all the multifarious con-
Germs of the country at large on its hands, and
moreover restricted in it's expenditures by the
biennial appropriation bill-yet we question very
much If more than a respectable minority of our
citizens would be found to vote in the Affirmative
of such a proposition if submitted to them. The
first objection in most minds would be, that a
municipal government would involve increased
taxation on property holders in the city. The
next question that occurs, is whether fit and
responsible men could be int dced to accept Office.
Our solid " men are all in active business
occupations, would they willingly and gratuit-
ously devote the time and labor required to d.
rect the proper government OF the city
As to the first obiection-that of increased tax
ation-it by no means follows that such a meas
ure must be resorted to in order to provide the
means of carrying on a municipal government.
The taxes on real estate and the license fees col
lected in Honolulu form no incOnsiderable pro-
portion of the revenues of the country, and a cer-
tain per cent. of the amount so contributed
might be annually set apart. and made available
for the purposes of a city government. AS to
city ofhcers-a I'M of the Privy Council, a
body of able and responsible men, not by any
means over worked at present-could, we opine,
De safely entrusted with the general management
of municipal affairs, the necessary executive
officers being paid stipulated salaries.
But whatever may be thought of these crude
suggestions, it is evident that as this city in
creases year by year in population and e~nlarges
its borders, with constantly recurring questions
ola local nature, the proper government of the
city will require. if it does not already require,
more care and attention than can possibly be
bestowed upon it by the general government.
And we say this without in the slightest degree
impeaching the ability or the industry of the
present Ministry.