The Honolulu republican. [volume] (Honolulu, T.H.) 1900-1902, 1901-10-02


Public Works, who left three weeks
ago for Hawaii. has written the Gov
ernor a letter descriptive of the fire
conditions in Hamakua He reports
that the flames are now under control
and does not anticipate any further
trouble His letter is the last as he
expected to leave at once for Hilo and
other parts of the big island:
wAIAIEA. Hawaii. Sept. 81. 1901.
Hon. \. b. Dole, G0reTHOr Territory Of
Hatcgii. Honolulu. r. H.
Sir-l have to present the following
statement Of facts as a supplementary
and final letter on the subject of the
forest fires in the Hamakua and Waimea
districts, on this Island, and of which
said fires l was. in accordance with your
instructions. to Investigate and report to
you thereon.
Under date of the 18th inst. I for
warded a letter containing the brief in
formation of my visit to the location at
tackled. and on the Dist l Forwarded
wireless telegraph message on the sub
ject, intended to relieve suspense as to
the necessity of the forwarding of aid
and assistance Ito suppress the fireSl BY
the Government. This letter will deal
with matters not previously presented in
detail and will cover conditions existing
to this date.
On the morning of the 10Th inst.
again under the guidance of Mr. Albert
HOrner, whose assistance was invaluable
he. with Mr.. F. w. Carter, being our
guide on the fifty-mile ride of the pre-
vious day, journey was made to the
scene of the Ookala fire for the obtain
ing of desired information and inspec-
ton. After a ride of over four hours
through the 0okala forests and along
very rugged mountain TRAIL crossing
gulches and gorges by steep. narrow and
dangerous bridle-paths (during which
journey several minor accidents han
pened to horses and ridersl. arrival was
made at point in the mountain forest
about 4.5O0 feet (as stated by barome-
terical reading of Assistant Superin-
tendent CamDbell) above sea level and
where was plainly presented the destruc-
ton wrought by the fire in a thicklv-
wooded forest and the almost superhu-
man work which accomplished the re-
tarding and suppression of the conhagra-
ton. The smoking trees and ground
showed that the fire was not entirely ex-
tinguished and the horses in travelling
along the grounds frequently sank their
feet and legs below the surface and I'M
expectedly revealed deep holes of smoul-
dering fires. which were buried from one
TO two and three feet from sight or out
ward indication. The subterranean ac-
ton of the fire, aside from the havoc
made in the forests. is regarded by
planters as most destructive to the pro-
ductive qualities of the soil
Here was noticed the tact. judgment
and good work accomplished by Messrs.
Walker. Horner and Carter: tact in the
Joining of their forces together. the la
horers from both plantations being
worked together against the common
enemy: Judgment in the digging of many
miles of trenches to prevent the leaping
across the roadways by the fire and
good work in the successful suppression,
after many hours of hard battling with
the flames. At and during the fire a
very high wind prevailed. which caused
sparks to be distributed long distances
from the original point of commence
ment. and it was stated that several
times the woods. some hundreds of yards
in the rear. were on fire while attention
was being concentrated against the prog
ress of the confiagration in front (AIr
Carter and band of his laborerS came
very near being enclosed in a fire-belt
from the distribution of sparks from
lofty burning trees. at the time of the
Horner fire.) When il is remembered
that there was not drop of water
available for quenching the fires and that
the long-eontinued drought had caused
all the underground to be of finder
like nature. 1t can be readily believed
that the work even of suppression was
remarkable and wea worthy of favor
able comment and recognition. Both
Mr.. Horner and Mr. Walker have estab-
lisfIed lahorers' camps in the upper for
est areas tos prevent further spread and
to suppress any dangerous outbreaks of
Ere within their properties.
Shortly before sandown on the 10Th
inst departure was made from the forest
lands and journey was continued through
the DESTROYED and injured coffee planta-
tons of MeSSrs. Osborne and of Mr..
Horner ard others Investigation show
ed that the coffee plantation of Mr.. Os-
borne was entirely destroyed. while Mr..
Horner suffered but slightly. in COM
paFison-
After the compilation of further inves-
tigatien, during the making of which
much valuable information and assist
ance was given hy Mr.. Albert Horner
and at whose hands. as well as By Mr.
]. n Horner- the party was the recipi-
ent of kind and even generous hospifali-
~, return was made from the scene Of
the Hamakua forest fires and 10 the -
tahlished headquarters at Waimea. The
result Of the Investigations made result
cd, as ycu have been informed By wire
less messages. Of the FIRE being under
control. although still burning and that
10 assistance was required from the
Government
Arrival back AT Wainea sras made on
Saturday. the 2ist inst. and n needed
rest was taken on that day and on the
next Sunday. During the three s7ays
used in the INVESTIGATION over one hun,
dred aud twenty miles Of territory was
traversed. and although several narrow
/ eSs'apes oceuFresi. M accident Of moment
hannened 70 aav 81 the party. Erery
enaraFaF was made TO obtain full and
decisive Information relative 20 the frs.
and flle results arrived At as before
sisted Here from . fuil and SER cona-
Rsese iRGairy. and nothing has sInee .oc-
cstFrea 10 eause a change ii the state
naeat forwarded to ron Of the non-naces-
stir al aid from the Government
Before closing I desire % present for
your Information Z few brief facts rela-
tive 10 the fires investigated. viz