The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-05-14
AFFAIRS IN KONA
Japanese and Portuguese
Cu1tivating Coffee.
Hawaiians Receive Chief Benefit
of Government Road
Appropriation.

KoNA, Hawaii, May 1O.-The inter
est in coffee is still on the increase. a
great many japanese are leasing small
holdings for about 10 years at from 81
to IS an acre yearly. according to
quality and location Of land. The Ha-
waiians are taking quite an interest in
coffee, but the japanese and Portu-
guese are rather more enthusiastic
These two nationalities are very eco
nomical and industrious Most of
these people were brought TO Hawaii
as contract laborers, but now many Of
them have comfortable little homes
With the influence Of the church and
the splendid free schools, the Portu-
guese will soon become valuable citi-
zens. Their children have learned TO
speak English at the schools and the
parents are learning it from the chill
dren. They are all Catholics, and Faith
er Victor is kept busy looking after
their spiritual welfare. They have
large families, and marry very young.
so that weddings are quite frequent. A
Sunday wedding is a common event,
as well as a great event. They go to
the church early, accompanied by
friends and neighbors, all on horse
back. Those who have no horses, hire
from the japanese and Hawaiians.
This long train returns from church 10
the home of the bride, and the invited
ones remain for an open-air dinner.
Fine clothes and an excellent horse is
considered the highest point of fashion
among the Kona Portuguese. During
the week fine clothes and fast, we'll
mounted horses are made fun Of The
food of the Portuguese is bread, corn
meal and meat, or salt fish; that of the
japanese and Chinese, rice; while the
Hawaiians keep to the poi and raw
fish.
The japanese do not try, like the
Portuguese, to rise socially. There is
no ceremony over a wedding like the
Portuguese. In fact, 1t is hard to tell
who OF them are married. While they
are Of a social nature. being fond of
games, their principal desire seems 70
be 10 live economically and save
money. They are not addicted TO OPT
I'm, like the Chinese, but they rather
like strong drink, though seldom in
dulging TO excess.
The Chinese marry Hawaiian wo-
men, and they are kind husbands and
very affectionate fathers. These peace
full, industrious people are the business
men Of Kona, and OF all Hawaii out
side of Honolulu and Hilo. All of the
restaurants of Kona are managed by
them Though their daily food is rice.
they know well how 70 make q big
feast OF roast pig. chicken, fish and
fruit. when they have a wedding or
other great occasion
The happiest people in Kons, ard
perhaps Of the earth are the Hawai-
ians. And why should they not be hap
by? They are strong, healthy race,
living in a delightful climate. in sim
pie but comfortable homes. possessing
land. which they lease to the japanese
or Portuguese, reserying enough for
taro. Hundreds Of the Hawaiians have
small kuleanas which they are begin
ming TO cultivate for taro and coffee.
The influence Of other natienalities
and the good roads are making them
more active in this respect. None are
in want or hard ". The 800 900 the
Government is spending in the cor
struction Of roads, goes mostly 10 the
Hawaiians. These excellent roads i'm
prove their lands, and by working in