The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1901-10-10
THE ASYLUM
SQUABBLE
The Rock Crusher
Condemned
Again.
BOARD DECIDES
UPON ACTION
The Committee Will Get Expert
Opinion as TO Effect Upon
Patients.

| The insane asylum rock-crushar 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 SIoggett 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 Malster
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
tients. I feel very strongly on the sub
ject 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
ed by the government, which can be
used. The expense of moving the crush
er is trihing, some $1,000, 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
cisco architects under $11 900, and refused
on the ground that they were too high"
1.-The present location of the hospital
is an excellent one; il is healthy and cool
tba hos eli to no 7 do
concur in the belief that the city is grow
ing so rapidly as to make its removal
eXpedient. l feel strongly upon this mat
ter, though it is not at all a. personal
feeling with me. AS guardians of the
insane we should not allow this nuisance
to continue, as it is detrimental to the
health of the patients. 1 favor taking
out an injunction if the operation of the
crusher can be stopped in no other way"
DR.. Cooper was not in favor of such ex-
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 deleterious to their health. 1t
seems to me, however, that this Is
matter which may easily be adjusted,
and the Department of Public Works
should appreciate the situation of the
Board. 1 believe the matter can be set
tied amicabIy without recourse to in
junction. We have $4,000 to $4,000, and
might use it to move to higher ground
and erect new buildings.
Il do not think the buildings need be
discussed at this time" retorted DIR.
Sloggett.
The matter might be explained to the
Department" suggested Dr. Cooper
1T has been explained" replied the
chairman.
What excuse is ofered?" continued
DR.. 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 but a few days, the
blasting will probably be resumed soon"
Il do not believe that this is ques-
ton for statistics" remarked Mr.. Mott
Smith, but for expert medical opinion
II have talked with physicians. and
they are unanimously against it" repl.el
DR.. SIoggett
= 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 I Will move for the appointment
of a committee to take up this matter"
President Sloggett selected for the
committee E. A Mott-Smith, DR.. Moore
and DR. Cooper. The committee held a
meeting as soon as the board adjourned.
Resolutions will be drawn up defining the
position of the board, and the committee
will call upon leading physicians and
will also visit chief Clerk Wright of the
Public Works, who is acting In super
Intcndent ROVd's absence and request
that the operation of the crusher be
stopped until some definite arrangement
can be made as 10 future action. A spe-
Cial meeting of the Board o Health viii
he held this afternoon, at which the COM
mittee VIII make report