The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-11-22
ANNUAL STATEMENT TO THE
PLANTERS or HAWAII
John +. Hackfeld Makes the Opening
Statement at the Planters Meeting
This Morning-A Good Showing.

Mr.. Hackfeld made the following
address TO the Hawaiian planters this
morning. lie said:
Gentlemen: In opening this, our
annual meeting, congratulations are
again in order on the very large crop
OF sugar, which has been produced on
the Islands during the last year; al
though the price realized has not been
as satisfactory as for 1896. you stll
can he well satisfied with the results
obtained. | regret that, owing to the
severe droughts which have been eN-
perienced during the last year in sev-
eral districts. the output of sugar
will be materially reduced during the
next season.
During the passage of the new Tar
iff bill in the Congress of the United
States considerable anxiety was felt
here in regard to the continuation of
the benefits now enjoyed by us un-
der the reciprocity treaty, but happi-
ly the matter was finally settled In
our favor, thus assuring to us for n
time at least Il fair price for our prn-
cipal produce. y treaty of anneXa-
ton between Hawaii and the United
States, no doubt a measure of consid-
erable Importance to our Industry. is
now pending and awaiting action ny
the United States Congress in Decem-
Der next.
The laboratories and experiment
stations of our association have been
successfully carried on under the able
management of the director. DR.. Max
well: considerable sum of money
has during the year beer contributed
| by the fertilizer manufacturers tow
ards the expenses of the laboratory. 1t
is however to be regretted that the
latter has not been patronized for the
analysis of fertilizers as generally as
was anticipated, especially as all anal
ySing of fertilizers is done free of ali
charge to the plantations.
At the experiment station some very
interesting experiments are being car
ried on, about which DR.. Maxwell will
fully report to you; they consist of
| raising cane with and without irrigl-
| ton, of green fertiliZing for the re-
storation of the soil, growing differ,
emf varieties of cane, and gaining eN-
act knowledge on irrigation and fe-
tilizing by the use of the lyaimeter;
| believe visit to the station will
be well worth to be considered as Il
part of our progress.
The supply of labor. | am glad 20
state. has been in general sufficient
during the past year: whether this
| Will continue however in the futurt
is somewhat doubtful, and this mat
probably requires your special atten.
ton.
Mr.. 10 be e. who It receives finan
cial aid from this association, has
been absent during the year, but i,
shortly expected TO return here: he
has continued to render very valuable
services for the Islands.
The income tax law passed by the
last Legislature has been declared
unconstitutional by the Supreme
Court owing to certain discriminating
features entertained therein; tn,
property tax law has again caused
great deal of friction in regard 10 In,
fair and reasonable aggregate valu,
of various sugar estates, as shown d,
the numerous appeals. which hav,
become necessary and have thrown
the burden of deciding this very diffi
cult question on the Judges of the Su
preme Court. | hope that the mex
Legislature will revise the present TIA,
laws to such an extent that constan
appeals on the tax returns may b,
avoided in future.
Several valuable reports will be sub
mitted to you; as great deal o
time will be lost by reading them il
full, ] suggest that only the import
ant parts of the same be read and Ia
ken up for discussion.
Before concluding | beg leave to ex
press my best wishes for your futur,
prosperity and hope that at our mex
meeting the sugar industry of thes,
Islands may be in as promising con
dition as il is today.
SECOND WEEE'S RJJI