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

So far as it can be ascertalnod by a.
general inquiry, there appears 10 be.
strong opposition to the plan Of the
government for the conversion Of the
interior part OF Punch Bowl into a
cemetery. Whether this opposition
represents the second and best thJught
Of those who take some interest in
the subject cannot be- stated definitely
at present.
The feeling exists, and Is growing,
that Punch Bowl should become the
most attractive breathing spot in or
near this city. It's position is superb.
The more It Is studied. the more one
becomes thankful for the rare fortune
Of having such an admirable place OF
general resort, which can be- made 80
cheaply accessible 10 all.
1t Is urged by those who favor the
project of establishing the cemetery in
the Bowl, that this use of 1t would
not interfere with the use OF the rim
of the crater for other public uses:
that even pcasur" resorts may be
erected on the rim, and the proximity
of the grave yard would not interfere
with the pleasures furnished by such
resorts. And. TO the objection urged
that there would be one or more buri-
ais every day in the year. and those
using the driveway to the summit for
pleasure would meet the funeral pro-
cessions. it Is said that the people
would become accustomed to the
sight.
The conversion Of Punch Bowl into
a cemetery will. il the experience OF
other places Is considered, prevent the
general use of the place for pleasure
resorts unless the Executive proposes
population like the Irish and the Dan
ish, who combine pleasure and pain.
The enforcing of the wake" by law
or custom in suitable places on the
rim Of the crater, may illustrate the
idea Of a melancholy pleasure" ap-
propriate to the place. But 1t requires
a period Of education to make it ac-
ceptable. The people of Denmark are
in the habit OF closing funeral services
in the rural districts with a dance and
supper but the Anglo-SaXOns are not
prepared to adopt the practice. This
race, in its respect for the dead, does
not favor the idea OF placing grave
yards and pleasure resorts side by
side. The idea may be wrong, but it
exists. II the cemetery Is placed in the
Bowl. 1t will naturally give character
to the entire locality
One who is familiar with IN" his
tory Of cemeteries, even in a new
country, like that OF the eastern States.
knows that even now. only a few
years after the establishment of eX-
tensiye private cemeteries near the
cities, conducted for profit only seri-
Gus questions arise as to the wisdom
of permitting them TO be established.
The ignorance Of the masses regarding
the sanitary evils connected with such
cemeteries, Is slowly giving way to the
painful knowledge that the living
have not regarded me rights of the
living, and have sacrificed many lives
in an unrelccting respect for the
dead.
The selection Of Punch Bowl as a
site for a cemetery, is no doubt, Jne
easiest way of disposing of the mat
ter. But in an important matter of
this kind, the best place should be
adopted, even il 1t involves much trou-
bic and labor.
\ cemetery at a distance should be
selected. Railroad connection should
be made with it so that the cost OF a
funeral should be a burden on no one,
as It Is provided for in other places,
II this port Is really TO become an
Pacific, there must be a large increase
in the population The limits OF burial
places will be reached quickly within
the limited space of Punch Bowl, II
/ burials there are made compulsory
/ Racial questions will arise, which will
/ involve diflicully. Aside from racial
questions there will be sectarian ques-
lions. Only abundance Of space will