Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1903-11-13
PROTEST AGAINST
COAST PURCHASING

At meeting of the Builders and
Traders Exchange directors last night
the following letter embodying objcc,
tions against some OF the members in
patronizing San Francisco firms for
materials which local houses are pre-.
pared TO furnish. was read
Honolulu. r. H.. Nov. 10. 1903.
To the Directors Of the Builders q
Traders Exchange.
Dear Sirs: We desire to bring to
your attention certain matters in re-
gard to government and other con-
tracts, which we think should have
careful attention, and after due con-
sideration such action taken as may
be deemed for the best interests of the
members of this Association.
II is reported. and we believe II to
be true. that some of the members Of
this Association. contractors. have sent
plans and specifications of proposed
buildings to the coast for full material
bids that is for brick, lime, cement,
lumber, hardware, iron work, etc, in
fact, for all material required for the
erection of buildings. As an Asso-
citation, supposed to be formed for the
mutual interests OF the Builders and
Traders, 1t does not seem right that
the former should go beyond and into
the province of the latter and import
their own materials. The merchants
In this city being away from sources
of supply, have to carry very large
stocks. and it is for the interests of all
that such be done. The builders are
in position then to have their wants
supplied as they may arise. but II the
importing by builders should become
general, the traders could not afford to
carry such full stocks. Again, If the
builders do not propose to support the
traders by purchasing from them, will
II not result in the latter going into
the construction business. and IL nee
essary, sending away for men to do
the work? Many, and probably most
OF the builders prefer to trade with
their fellow members, but If others are
going to do their own importing for
special jobs, they are, of course. han
dicapped, because II is not reasonable
to suppose that the traders can carry
such stocks of goods as they do now.
with the attendant expense without
having some profit.
Again we understand although we
may be wrong in this, that IL is the
policy of the government to send away
and get bids on work to be done here.
This, II so, we consider to be entirely
wrong. While such course might
possibly be taken by individuals, for
the government TO do ii. il would be
step on its part to destroy the interests
OF the community. The persons en-
terials for the erection of buildings,
compose Il large class of heavy tax
payers. and the government is certainly
interested in the welfare of its con-
stituents and supporters. This is
shown by forbidding all except citizen
labor on contracts. Why not as well
limit the bidding on contracts to bona
tide citizens of the Territory.
We submit these as matters directly
In the line of subjects to be considered
by this Association, and as members
OF II, we ask you to take such steps in
the premises, say the calling of a meet
ing for general discussion, or such
other action as may be by you deemed
wise, in order that intelligent and
forceful action may be taken, which
shall be for the benefit of all con-
Cerned.
After discussion the following com.
mittee was appointed TO investigate
end report at meeting to be held
November 10: w. w. Harris of Lew.
ers Il Cooke, George Rodiek of Hack.
field & Co. G. +. Bush OF Honolulu Iron
Works, w. w. Hall of L. o. Hall &
Son, l.. L. Pinkham of the Concrete
Construction Co, Arthur Harrison and
J. II. Craig.
A circular request from the New
York Board of Trade and Transporta.
tion was read and action deferred. The
request asks that resolutions be adopt.
ed embodying the views of the Elk.
change as to the best means by which
American deep.sea ship.building and
ship'owning can be re-established.
A request was received from the
Labor Council for the names of such
citizens, particularly merchants, who
have agreed to use citizen labor ex.
clusively. The Exchange decided to
furnish such names but not those of
merchants who had not complied, 1t
being the intention not to establish a
black list.