The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1899-04-07

OPINIONS REGARDING PvnCnBOWl
Pronioent Physkisrs Express Their views
would BE- a Great mist,ke
Grounds for Criticism,
tFrom Thursdays DailyD


The question of a cemetery site has
evoked considerable discussion Var
ious places have been mentioned, but
when they were inquired into they had
some Objectionable quality and were
abandoned.
The last plan and the one which has
brought forth a great many express
sions of opinion, is the proposition to
turn Punchbowl into a cemetery. At
the joint meeting of the Board of
Health and the Executive Council
about a month ago, held for the pur-
pose of discussing the cemetery ques-
ton. the site of Punchbowl was pro-
posed for the first time. President
Dole made the suggestion.
This plan was laid aside for the time
being. But as other sites were looked
into and each found to have something
lacking in one way or another, the mat
Ter Of Punchbowl was brought up
again. II was claimed to be the nat
ural solution of the question.
However, as soon as it was learned
that PunchbOwl was seriously thought
of there have been many opinions ex-
pressed. Many opposed, while some
favored 1t. The fear that such selec-
lion would prove menace to the pub
lie health was held. Then again 9TH
ers felt that 1t would be a shame TO
turn one of the city's notable points OF
interest into a burying ground.
Yesterday a representative of the
Advertiser interviewed a number of
physicians of the city in regard to the
question and their solution of the diff
fculty. Their opinions are as follows:
DR.. Wood do not approve of
Punchbowl as a cemetery site at all for
TWO reasons. 1t takes a fine piece of
property, which Is available for some
thing else. | have always been in favor
Of having a large reservoir there TO
which the water could be run from the
Nuuanu section, which would filter ii
thoroughly. Again, disapproye of IL
for sanitary reasons. ! have learned
from person who is competent to
speak upon such matters that the geo.
logical formation of Punchbowl Is such
that the refuse and drainage would
grayitate without being filtered at all
thus making great probability that
the water supply would become con-
taminated. A crematory is the very
best solution Of the problem, II people
would only see it that way.
DR.. Cooper am opposed TO 1t in
every way, both as sanitary and an
economic proposition. 1t will undOubt
eddy DE a menace to the health of thu
people, inasmuch as there Is extreme
probability that the water supply will
become polluted. Besides the city i,
growing and Punchbowl will eventual
ly become our greatest point of inter
est. Cremation Is the proper method
of solving the question, but, of course
there are prejudices to be overcome
Anyhow, get further out OF the city.
DR.. Raymond-It would be a grea
wrong to turn Punchbowl into a bury
ing ground. From an eminent loca
authority on geological matters hav,
learned that the formation OF. Punch
bowl Is such that such selection woul,
be a grave menace to the public healtl
by communicating the sources of on
water supply. Looking at 1t from an
other point Of view, one of the great
est points Of interest would be spoiled
There are many other places far NOR
suitable. OF course, cremation Is tn,
only scientific method OF dealing will
the dead in justice to the living.
DIR. Wayson-I think a cemetery oil
Punchbowl would be foolish. The sit,
Is needed for other purposes. In tim,
magnificent pleasure park could b.
laid out there. There Is really oni,
one scientific method of dealing will
the dead and that Is cremation. ]
saves room and expense. There /!
prejudice against it from sentimental
ism, but 1t will come in time. TheI
again Punchbowl Is not large enough
1t would not be great many yearc be-
fore it would be full, and then another
place would have to be looked up.
DR.. Miner-The proposed site or
Punchbowl Is very Objectionable. There
is a probability of the water supply be-
coming polluted. Who wants to take
the chance? 1t is preposterous to think
of putting dead bodies in that crater.
am in favor of a crematory, but II We
can't have that, then get further GU,
of town.
DR.. Humphrs-I am opposed to the
proposed selection. ! base my opposi'
ton on the ground that as the older
cities grow and learn they place their
cemeteries as far away as possible. Dis
lance cuts no figure.
DIR. Herbert-When going for pleas
IRE drive who wants to go through q
graveyard? Punchbowl is one OF our
tayorite spots, but the fact that dead
bodies reposed within its limits would
soon destroy its attraction, both for
residents and tourists. am also OPP
posed TO 1t on sanitary grounds.
\ number OF physicians did not wish
10 express public Views, but the con.
sensus OF their opinion Is that the
selection OF Punchbowl for a cemetery
site would be a great mistake.
Mr., Walter Maxwell has made an
exhaustive study OF the question and
has made a report OF his investigation
10 President Dole. On account of the
storm OF adverse criticism from com