The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-12-14
Mr.. JAMES QUITS
New Manager RGtiFsS From
Hotel Direction.
A DIFFERENCE AROSE
Difference
AROSE
Had Made Many improvements in
Two Months-Mr. P. Nj. Lucas Is
at the Helm Once More.

A big and surprising change occurred
al the Hawaiian hotel just at noon on
Saturday last Thos. X James retired
from the management. He made the
transfer Of the establishment to Tom
McTighe, the representative of E. C.
Macfarlane. A few minutes later Peter
Lucas, who had held the position be-
fore, was installed as the successor to
Mr.. James. There was not an ending
at this point The chef who had been
secured by Mr.. James severed his con-
nection with the place at once. One
empolye after another departed or was
released, till Sunday morning almost
the entire kitchen and dining room
force that had been enlisted by Mr.
James was gone In their places were
in almost each instance the men who
were found there when Mr. James ac-
cepted control only two months ago.
The hotel has been so greatly i'm
proved by Mr.. James and his course
has seemed so satisfactory and pro-
ressive, that any likelihood of his leav-
ing was scarcely to be thought of by
anyone in town A difference arose
Saturday Saturday morning between
Dir. James and Mr. E. c. Macfarlane,
the proprietor of the place. 1t was over
a detail of the hotel business. Mr..
James sent his resignation by tele-
phone. Later it was put into writing
and it is said that the correspondence
between the two principals was not
without spice, though so far as could
be learned afterwards, no resentment
existed on either side Mr. James took
the stand that one manager for hotel
was sufficient and that the establish
ment had to have and carry out GER
tain business policy. The failure of
Mr.. Macfarlane TO accept the views of
Mr.. James, which have been well
known for years, resulted in the rup-
ture. At one time on Saturday it was
reported that a peace might he made,
but such negotiations, if any were I'M
dertaken had no result It was also
reported that Mr. James would leave
by the S. S. Australia This is entire
ly incorrect He will remain in Homo
lulu and it is likely that it will not be
very long before he is in the hotel bust
ness again.
Thos. X. James took charge of the
Hawaiian hotel two months ago, and
as he himself says, has never worked
so hard for eight weeks before in his
whole life. Few men in any line have
done so much in the same length of
time. The table service was improved
on the moment, and has been getting
better all the time. Scrubbing corps,
painters and paper hangers all but took
possession of the interior, while me-
chanics and labOrers swarmed about
the outside Effect was soon evident.
Both the main building and the cot
tages looked like new in few weeks.
The drives were macadmaized and ce-
ment walks were laid. Everybody be-
gan to speak of the changed appear
ance and the new service at the hotel
City patronage increased and more
tourists were attracted. Mr. James had
made distinct success and was COM
plimented from all sides. He singed as
chef a capable man who had been on
the S. S. Australia a long time. He
deposed Chinese who had grown gray
in the service of the establishment and
put white men in their places. 1t was
reported that the hotel was making
money and this is probably the fact.
lIr. James had been steward on the
Australia several years. Before that
he was a hotel man in the United
States and Europe. He is a man of
means, has many friends here and on
the Coast, and with others believes he
will make a success of business should
he embark in it here.
Assurance is given that under the re-
turn management Of Mr.. Lucas, the Ha-
waiian hotel will be kept up to high
and satisfactory standard. 1t is more
than probable that corporation will
take over the property at an early date.
In this case changes again are almost
certain. Something else will develop
in this field in few days that may be
rather of surprise