The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1907-10-15
TWO COURTROOMS
DECLARED UNSAFE
fFrom saturdays Advertiser.)

1FrOm SATURDAY A0NeTllSeL)
Owing to the recent rains and
leaky roof several patches Of plaster
have fallen from the ceiling on the
second floor of the Judiciary building,
and yesterday James Weary, the head
carpenter of the Public Works De-
partment, announced that it was I'M
safe to hold court in Judge Lindsay's
courtroom any more, and that there
was danger of plaster falling from the
ceiling near the makai side in Judge
Robinson's courtroom. On this an
nouncement Judge Lindsay abandoned
his courtroom until repairs are made,
and Judge Robinson moved his jury
from the makai to the mauka side of
the courtroom to keep them out of
danger. Judge Lindsay sent the fol-
lowing letter to Chief Justice Hart
well, regarding the matter:
October II, 1907.
Hon. Alfred s. Hartwell, Chief Justice,
Supreme Court.
Dear Sir: / beg to call your atten-
ton TO the unsafe condition of my
courtroom. Yesterday a large piece Of
plaster from the ceiling fell and, had
there been anyone standing under
meath, the consequences might have
been very serious. The roof leaks like
a sieve, and during the trial of a case
yesterday the attorneys in attendance
We're standing in water nearly over
their shoes. This morning the chief
carpenter from the Department of
Public Works examined the ceiling and
said that it was absolutely unsafe. The
entire ceiling is cracked and there is
every indication that it may fall at
any moment.
Under the circumstances I feel that
it will be unwise to continue holding
court there, and 1 shall endeavor to
find temporary quarters elsewhere
until repairs can be made.
Trusting that you will lay this mat
ter before the proper authorities at
your earliest convenience, I remain,
yours faithfully,
ALEX. LINDSAY, JR.,
Second Judge, Circuit Court, First
Circuit.
The last Legislature made an appro-
priation of $4,000 for the repair, re-
Mobilization and equipment of Aliiolani
Hale Judiciary Building)." This ap-
preparation became available July l,
but no plans for using it We're pre-
pared because Governor Carter was
opposed to repairing the building, be-
ing in favor of a new building alto
gether, as it was understood. He. We
toed tse appropriation, but the Legis-
lature passed it over his veto.
While no definite plans have yet been
made for the rehabilitation of the
building, the general scheme on which
the fifty thousand dollars was appro-
priated is an entire reconstruction of
the interior with steel I-beams and
pillars and fireproof partitions and
concrete floors, making the building
practically fireproof. The foundations
and walls of the building are strong
and in perfect preservation, and the
architecture of the building is consid-
cred high class.
This complete reconstruction of the
interior could not be undertaken right
away under any circumstances, as the
material is not at nanu ana VIII take
some time to secure, and can be done
better during the summer vacation of
the courts than at any other time.
1t is proposed, however, to put on a
new roof to prevent further leaking
and deterioration, and to repair the
ceilings so that they shall no longer
be a danger.
For the present Judge Lindsay will
occupy Judge Weaver's courtroom.