The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-04-06
CEMETERY Site.
The Question Has Provoked Con-
siderable Discussion.
OPINIONS REGARDING PUNCHB0WL
Prominent Physicians Express Their Views
Would be a Great Mistake
Grounds for Criticism,

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 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. Presi' ut
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 sometnlng
lacking in one way or another, the mat
ter Of Punchbowl was brought up
again. 1t 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. Manu opposed, while s.yaIo
favored it. The fear that such a selec-
ton would prove menace to the pub
lie health was held. Then again 9TH
ers felt that it would be a shame to
turn one of the city's notable points of
interest into burying ground
Yesterday representative of the
Advertiser interviewed a number of
physicians of the city in regard to the
question and their solution of the diff
ficulty. Their opinions are as follows:
DIR. WOod-I do not approve of
Punchbowl as cemetery site a all for
two reasons. It takes a fine piece of
property, which is available for some
thing else. l 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 it
thoroughly. Again, l disapprove of it
for sanitary reasons | have learned
from a person who is competent to
speak upon such matters that the geo.
logical formation of Punchbowl is such
that the refuse and drainage would
gravitate without being filtered at all,
thus making great proba bility that
the water supply would become con-
taminated. A crematory is the very
best solution Of the problem, if people
would only see it that way
DR.. Cooper am opposed to it in
every way, both as sanitary and an
economic proposition. 1t will undoubt-
edly be menace to the health of the
people, inaSmuch as there is extreme
probability that the water supply will
become polluted. Besides the city is
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 great
wrong to turn PunchboWl into a bury
ing ground. From an eminent local
authority on geological matters I have
learned that the formation of Punch
bowl is such that such selection would
be a grave menace TO the public health
by communicating the sources of our
water supply. Looking at it from an
other point of view, one of the great
est points of interest would be spoiled.
There are many other places far more
SulldbIS vi COu1 SC, CIGUldllUH Is Tic
only scientific method of dealing with
the dead in justice to the living
DR.. Wayson-I think a cemetery on
Punchbowl would be foolish. The site
is needed for other purposes In time
a magnificent pleasure park could be
laid out there. There is really only
one scientific method of dealing with
the dead and that is cremation 1t
saves room and expense. There is
prejudice against it from sentimental
ism, but it will come in time Then
again Punchbowl is not large enough.
1t would not be a great many years be-
fore it would be full, and then another
place would have to be looked up.
DR.. Miner-The proposed site on
Punchbowl is very Objectionable. There
is 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 crematory, but if we
can't have that, then get further out
of town.
Dr. Humphris-I am opposed to the |