The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1886-07-01
THE SUGAR INTERESTS OF THE
ISLANDS.

The low price OF sugar has had a de-
pressing effect, to a certain extent, on
the planting interests of these Islands,
to which must be added, as an effective
cause in the same direction, the uncer-
tainty regarding the Treaty of Reciprocity
with the United States. The latter per-
haps was the most potent factor, because
the result OF the abrogation of the
treaty could not be calculated within
any probable range of certainty. That
it would still further reduce its profits
upon sugar growing is certain. But
that Congress will adjourn without TAX
ing any action adverse to the treaty We
are well assured, and the Administra-
ton is not at all likely to act independ-
emily in the matter. There are far too
many interests involved, as well as too
many important considerations of State,
to render it at all probable that the
President and his Cabinet would assume
the responsibility of notifying this Gov
eminent of their intention to terminate
the treaty. 1t has therefore at least
trouble the planters any further for the
present season.
But while low prices and the uncer-
tainty regarding the treaty has had a
depressing effect upon planting inter
ests, these causes have not been wholly
without benefit. Planters have prac-
ticed greater economy in their expendi
lures and methods, and have been get
ting better returns for the capital in
vested than formerly. The seasons
crop of 1866 is drawing to close. The
planters Monthly" says: "Several
plantations have finished grinding and
during this month a large number will
follow their example. The yield has
been large beyond all precedent. Some
plantations have made money, but owing
to low prices in sugar large number
have not more than held their own"
With reference to this statement, it is
proper to remark, from inquiries we have
made, that in every case in which favor
able results have not been realized, the
fault lies with the plantation manage
ment, and not with the season, which
has been favorable beyond precedent.
Moreover, improved machinery has been
generally brought into use with the best
possible results. The increased yield,
above the average crop of previous years,
has more than Offset the lower range of
prices, while labor has been abundant
co., hot Lob I,
Kingdom is far above the average of the
wages paid for labor in other sugar pro-
ducing countries, but the output of sugar
per acre in these Islands is likewise far
higher than the average yield of other
countries. Upon this point the plant
ers' Monthly" from which we have
already quoted, remarks of two districts
in Hawaii "Fine crops are being OBJ
tanned in the Hamakua and Kohala dis
tricts this season, owing to the unusual
rainfall during the past two years. Ger
tain lands in KOhala, which heretofore
have produced only two tons to the acre,
are this year turning out six or over. A
l>een competition for land is springing up
and some parties show a tendency to
poach on their neighbors' preserves.
Meanwi lie the landowner enjoys the
competition, the large crops and the
boom generally"
Reports from Maui and Kauai are
equally favorable. The various plant
atoms on Oahu likewise make favorable
returns On the whole, the season has
been one of great promise and prosper
ity, the only drawbacks being the un-
certainty regarding the treaty and low
prices.