The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1895-07-17
c. w. FilkiDS Writes Enthusiastic
cally of the Pacific Paradise.
OFFICERS OF AUSTRALIA .IsED.
Knights Templars Thoroughly Enjoy
Their Excursion to the Islands.
Bathing in the Placid Pacifc-Sig
Seeing and Visits-To Volcano.

G.. W. Filkins, who is in charge
of the Knights Templars excursion
party from Los Angeles, Cal, now
on a visit to the islands, writes en-
Enthusiastically of the trip to the
Riverside, Cal Press from Homo
lulu under date of June Odd. After
describing the journey from River
side to Los Angeles and San Fran
cisco, he says:
cat 10 a. m our gooi steamship
Australia blew her whistle and sound
ed the "all ashore" gong. Soon the
machinery was started and the great
propeller began to churn the water
into foam. AS we moved out there
was the usual signaling of love to
friends on shore, the waving of hand
kerchiefs, etc. We were off, at last,
on the 2100-mile drive on the public
road across the great highway of the
Pacific. And right here let me say it
was not misnamed Pacific, for after
the first day out, during which we
made 356 miles, it was one vast sheet
Of glass. On the second day we began
on board, for on the first day few put
in an appearance, but your humble
servant was on hand for every meal.
But later the dining-rOom was full of
Jolly pleasure seekers like ourselves.
Such table as is spread before you on
this steamer! Morning, noon and
night there was one grand feast.
Everything the palate can desire is
here to be had, elegantly cooked and
served. While speaking of this good
ship Australia let me here mention
that every officer and man you come
in contact with, from Captain HOud-
lette (who is a perfect brick down to
the waiter boys who serve you at your
rooms and at table, are each perfect
in his capacity. From day to day
we rise, take coffee and toast, then a
stroll out to the different "farms"
which the company have here set to
blackberries and strawberries, and
gather enough of these delightful
fruits for breakfast, and at $50 take
the regular breakfast. Then we smoke,
play whist and talk to the pretty
ladies till lunch time. Then whist
and visit till dinner. Then whist,
wine and visit till bedtime. And
thus the time passes until on June 81
CFriday) at about $50 am. we spy
land, and all are then at the steamers
side to get the first view of this much
written-Of Beauty Land.
In about half hour the scene pOr-
trayed before one is simply one all
absorbing and delightful, and the
scene continues to grow in beauty
until we reach the dock. The first
view of cultivated land is to the left,
and is a sugar cane plantation of some
14,0G0 acres, the Eva plantation.
Well, we found upon docking the
good ship that friends were on board
almost instantly with outstretched
hands to receive as, as children of one
Almighty Father and members of
common brotherhood. These friends
and brothers escorted US to
the Hawaiian hotel, where
we found that three beautifully
furnished cottages adjoining the hotel
proper, in some beautifully shaded
grounds, had been set apart for our
occupancy and comfort. After lunch
we took in the business part of the
city, and took a look over the place.
Generally, we found all kinds of busi-
ness represented here, as in smart
American city of equal size--good
store rooms well filed with all kinds
of merchandise, the greater part of
which comes from our dear old United
States, and prices rule about the
same, or a trif1e higher.
In the evening the Government
band gave US a grand concert in the
spacious grounds, which are thickly
ietted with incandescent lights i'll
great variety of colors. The music
and surroundings were perfectly
lovely.
On Saturday morning we were up
early, and, after breakfast, scattered
about as our business or inclination die.
tated. We went to the state house and
presented our papers of introduction
to various officers of the Government.
We were especially well received by
President Dole, who welcomed US with
no uncertain words of greeting, and
also by Judge Henry Z. Cooper, who
is PROBABLY most prominent in Ma
sOury, Captain King, Mr.. Mills q. >.
COnsuD, Mr.. ThurstOn and many
others. In fact the day was taken up
in making calls.
Now 1t Is Sunday morning, and all
are to 90 to church and listen to the
great Mr.. Macarthur, of a New York
Baptist church. Then, [ presume, at
about pm. having attended church
and had lunch, thus administering to
both soul and body, we shall all go
down to the beach and have swim
in the old Pacific. And now, with the
proper amount of sympathy for those
of our friends who were coming with
Us, but did not, | will close with love