The Hawaiian gazette., 1901-10-11
THE ASYLUM
SQUkBBLE
The Rock Crusher
Condemned
Again.
From Thursdays daily)

The insane asylum rock-crushcr con-
troversy was given another airing by the
Board of Health at yesterdays meeting
and though extreme measures were at
first advocated, it was finally decided to
try the influence of public opinion upon
the Public Works Department.
President Sloggett called the attention
of the other members OF the Board to the
situation, with the statement that the
operation of the rock-crushing plant had
been resumed, without any notice to the
Board of Health.
"Drs. Herbert, Walters and Master
have all reported unfavorably upon the
location of the rock crusher,' said he,
"and have stated that the incessant noise
is detrimental to the health of the pa
ticnts. ] feel very strongly on the sub
jcct myself, and believe something
should be done at once. The Public
Works Department claims that this
quarry has the best rock of any in the
city, but there are oceans of stone own
cd by the government which can be
used, The expense of moving the crush
or is trining. some 5000. and nothing
like the estimate made by the Pubic
Works Department. The original cost of
building was not near so much as it was
claimed the cost for removal would be.
Tenders were received from San Fran
on the ground that they were too high"
THE present location OF the hospital
| is an excellent one; IL Is healthy and cool
| and the best site for the place. / do not
concur in the belief that the city is grow
| ing so rapidly as to make its removal
Icxpedient. l feel strongly upon this mat
| ter. though it is not at all Il personal
feeling with me. As guardians of the
insane, we should not allow this nuisance
| Ia "a. .,,t,,, al hl
health of the patients. l favor taking
out an injunction if the operation of the
| crusher can be stopped in no other way
! DIR. Cooper was not in favor of such cX-
IRENE action. He said: I'VE are the
! guardians of the insane, and 1t is our
duty not to allow anything to be done
| that is deeterious to their health. 1t
seems to me, however, that this is a
matter which may easily be adjusted,
and the Department of Public Works
should appreciate the situation of the
/ Board. l believe the matter can be set
tied amicably without recourse to in
junction. We have $4,000 to $4,000, and
| might use II to move to higher ground
and erect new buildings.
| II do not think the buildings need be
discussed at this time" retorted Or.
Sloggett.
THE matter might be explained to the
Department" suggested DIR. Cooper.
1T has been explained" replied the
chairman.
What excuse is offered?" continued
DIR. Cooper
| NO excuse. They go right ahead and
operate the crusher. Mr.. Boyd express
ed the opinion that he did not believe
the crusher to be detrimental to the pa
tents, and asked for statistics. The
crusher has been started again, and as
/ they have rock for hut n few days the
blasting will probably be resumed soon"
Il do not believe that this is a ques
ton for statistics remarked Mr.. Mott
Smith, but for expert medical opinion"
| II have talked with physicians, and
they are unanimously against it," replied
DR.. SlogEctt.
! II would suggest" said Mr. Mott
Smith, that resolutions be drawn up.
detailing the facts OF the situation. and
getting the opinion of leading medical
experts, and thus bring the position of
the public Works Department before the
public. | Will move for the appointment
of a committee to take up this matter"
3 President SloEgett selected for the
committee Y. \. Mott-Smith. DIR. Moore
ana DIR. Cooper. The committee held a
meeting as soon as the board adjourned.
Resolutions VIII be drawn up defining the
position Of the board, and the committee
will call upon leading physicians. and
will also visit Chlci Clerk Wright Of the
Public orkS, VINO is acting in super
intendent Boyd's absence. and request
that the operation of the crusher be
stopped until some definite arrangement
can be made as to future action. spe-
cial meeting OF the Board OF Health Will
he held this afternoon, at which the COM
mittee VIII make report.