The Hawaiian gazette., 1893-01-17
HILO BUDGET.
ii PROSPEROUS THE
NEW COURT IN SESSION.
q. $. S. Boston In Port-Tarset
Practice.

been propitious one for Hilo. The
earlier months were however rather
depressing, as the weather was unfa-
vOrable, and it became apparent that
the sugar crop, affected by the heavy
rains of the previous year, would fall
short of the estimate. This, occurring
at time when the full force of the
blow fell on the sugar industry, was
staggering in its effects, and the out
look at that time was decidedly
gloomy. But the season frightened,
the rains gave place to dryer weather
and the general economy of plantation
management was studied deeper, so
that when the crop was off; some
places found themselves in better
position than the earlier part of the
season indicated. 1t was now gener-
ally agreed that we had the lowest
basis that sugar would likely reach
and the prospects for the industry
were on the whole bright. The age of
80 to 50 per cent. dividends has most
likely passed for good, but legiti-
mate profit will be returned from
most plantations.
The unheralded arrival of the L. S.
S. Thetis on a cable sounding cruise
excited our hopes that the Hilo route
might be the one chosen, and although
we were later on rather depressed by
the report that the route to Honolulu
had been chosen, the latest advices,
that a United States vessel is on its
way to make soundings between Hilo
ard Honolulu, revive our hopes
again.
Honolulu, if it has any voice in this
matter, should so far see it to the in
terest of the country generally to have
the cable landed at Hilo, as the con-
nection with Honolulu would be i'm
meiiately made, and if this is not
done it may be years before the cOun-
try would be able and feel willing to
build it. The town generally has ad-
vauced. A number of new buildings
have gone up and Improvements made
which have helped the appearance of
the town. A noticeable feature of
change is the improved appearance of
the lawns and surroundings of our
private residences. This is greatly to
our advantage, since the tourist travel
is increasing. The town should be put
in the best possible appearance, that
its beauties may be thoroughly en-
joyed There is now abundant accom-
mediation of good class furnished by
the two hotels. The streets and roads
around the town have been improved
and ample means for getting around
easily and comfortably to see our
points of interest can be secured.
The Volcano Road, which during
the early part of the year moved along
at snailis pace, re-awakened with
the advent of Mr.. Bruner and is now
being pushed along as rapidly as
means will permit. As soon as the
appropriation becomes available, it
will allow this work, which has hung
fire so long, to be vigorously pushed
along, and it is right here on the Vol
cano Road that the most marked inn
provement of the year is noticed. The
number of new buildings, the clear
ances for coffee, fruit and taro plant
ing, all indicate Il healthy start in the
right direction. That coffee is to be-
come one nf our great staples for ex-
port few years will prove, and we
predict that the district along the
Volcano Road will be the greatest
producer OF any on the islands. The
prospects of steamer stopping with
passengers and mails are encouraging,
and we hope that early in the future
we may have one steamer departure
from Hilo once month.
The first term of the Court under
the new Judiciary Act is now
being held The Court, presided
over by Judge Lyman, opened on
Wednesday last, but adjourned till
Friday to allow the lawyers and others
to arrive from Honolulu. Friday and
Saturday were occupied with minor
cases. On Monday the Costa case
comes up, and it is expected to take
from four to six days. The probability
is that it will take the first day or two
to secure jury. The principals, Mr..
and Mrs. Costa, with their counsel,
Hon. c. W. Ashford, are all on the
scene. 1t will be quite trying time
for the Judge under the new condi-
tions to have such an important case
to rule on.
The c. S. S. Boston arrived on
Thursday morning with the American
Minister, His Elk. John Z. Stevens and
daughter on board. A party COM
posed of Mr.. Stevens, daughter, and a
number of officers of the vessel left on
Friday morning for the volcano for
visit of three or four days Friday
and Saturday were occupied by those
on board in gun practice, and the
report of the larger guns booming
over the bay kept us aware that a
man of war was near. The vigorous
firing did not precipitate even a drop
of rain, 50 that the current idea out
side OF Hilo that all you have to do is
to snap your finger to bring down
rain, is defeated.
The party of eight HiIoites who
spent last week at the volcano were
the first to use the new trail for horses
to the brink of the lake. The road is |
well made, and can be gone over |
almost as comfortably as the Volcano |
road. Mr. Lee, the manager, rode |
across the floor of the crater in twelve |
minutes. 1t brings one within almost |
two minutes walk of the edge of the
lake. Here q shelter is provided for |
the horses, and a shed is being built |
for tourists where they can be pro-
tected from the cold and rain, dry |
themselves, and have hot coffee pro- /
vided The crater is very active,
flows occurring frequently, and num- |