The Hawaiian gazette., 1905-02-10
PLANTATIONS
ARE PAYING

Editor Advertiser; what is the cause
of the success OF the Hawaiian sugar
cane industry? And why are the cane
fields among the most productive. and
the sugar mills among the most eff
cient, of any of the best plantations |
and sugar mills in any other country: |
A solution to this problem is found |
in the fact that progress and improv,
ment is abroad in the land; and that |
ceaseless, restless energy pervades
the minds of the men that are direct
ing this industry and which will not
permit them to be satisfied with the
present order of things.
1t does not matter that great and
important improvements have been
made in the past. They do not satisfy.
They are but spurs to urge one on to
greater achievements.
And it's for this reason that man.
ayers are studying the science of agri-
culture, engineers, mechanical en-
cheering, and sugar boilers chemis-
try. And it's mainly on account of this
knowledge, and because these men put
their whole heart and soul into their
on a solid basis and on a sure founda-
ton.
System. too, in place of crude meth
DDS, has played no unimportant part in
the successful operation of these plan
tations. And it may be news 20 a
great many persons to hear that 1t is
known to a cent just what II cost per
acre per year. or per crop, to cultivate
and fertilize every acre of land on
most of the plantations.
And 1t may be greater news to learn
that in some places these expenses
have been cut in two, and that there
are now plantations where the blowing,
planting, cultivating. hoeing and strip
ping has been done for $1,000 per acre.
and the rattoons for $14.00 per acre.
These desirable results have been
brought about by adopting labor saw
ing devices and improved agricultural
implements; and by cutting out all ex-
travagance and waste, and by apply
ing economic measures and methods
in their places.
Improved methods of applying fertil-
izers, manure and green soiling have
also added to or aided in bringing
about better results.
Labor saving devices and improved
methods of harvesting the cane, and
| in transporting 1t to the mill are also
| in evidence almost everywhere. A great
gain has also been derived from chang
ing the seed cane and in various other
| ways.
| In the sugar mills high extraction Is
the rule, and higher and better results
are constantly being looked for and
worked for. In the boiling house, by
the aid of crystallizers, better and more
sugar is made in two bollings than was
formerly made by four.
| A method of concentration or central
ization of machinery and boiling APP
paratus is being adopted in sugar mills
and which is expected to not only give
better results, but to reduce the cost
of manufacture.
] A great deal of credit is also due to
the Honolulu Iron Works Co. of Homo
lulu, for the many improvements they
have made in sugar mill machinery,
and the adoption of which has made
this success possible.
1 should say the manager of this in
stitution has searched the entire sugar
world for new ideas, and up-to-date
methods, so that now he is probably
one of the best informed men in the
world on sugar mill machinery, and
consequently their mills cannot be sur
passed.
The men at the head of this industry,
agents, owners, etc, are also keenly
alive to the possibilities of this bust
ness. and are ever ready to try any
| tiny oil &c
that the best men and the best ma
chinery that can be got are none toe
good for this work
These are few of the improvements
and some of the reasons for the success
of the sugar cane industry of these
: islands, but there are many more II
time and space would permit me tc
mention them.
will say, however, that there is still
room for Improvement, as in the use
of high pressure and superheated steam
we are still behind the times, and / ma!
say I noticed that on the mainland
that they have derived almost al mucl
gain from these two things as the!
: formerly did in triple expansion. Fo
boiling purposes so pounds of team 1
perhaps sufficient, but for the powe
:. plant or engines 1t is totally inadequate
There are also great possibilities Il
r chemistry-that Is, in eliminating tn
sugar from the waste molasses, an,
which undoubtedly will be done som
day A better method of treating tn
1 juice is also looked for, that will elm
i mate more of the impurities, stop in
e version. and fermentation, and, there
fore, give higher polarization and NOR
sugar This, however, does not alte
the fact that this industry is up-to
date, and stands upon solid and pay
a ing basis. Notwithstanding this fact
e many of these valuable properties hav
: been selling for a song. and even nov
n many OF them are not selling at thei
= real value. And ! may say, know o
4 one plantation that will take off II
d banner crop this year-that is sellin
for only half its par value. And thi
:. in the face of the fact that prices ar
e the highest known for ten or fiftee
f years.
: This letter is not written for the pur
a pnaa nf hooFoinor tho afnnka hnf N ohON