The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1908-05-29
TAKES Up THE
LAND QUESTION
Promotion Committee Dev0tes
Entire Session to
H0mesteads.

The Hawaii Promotion Committee
held its regular meeting yesterday af-
ternoon at the rooms on Bishop street,
the chairman, Mr.. Fred l.. Waldron, III.
P. Wood, secretary. Mr.. w. T. Lucas,
Mr.. j. a. McCandless and Mr.. J. L.
Mclean, being present. The session
was chiefly devoted to the discussion of
securing definite information as to
lands for prospective homesteaders, and
the discussion, which was general,
brought out the statement that there
were more obstacles in the way than
the general public has any idea of.
The secretary (Mr. Wood is in con-
stant receipt of letters from all parts
of the world. to which, as matters stand
at present, no satisfactory reply can be
made, because the things they want to
know are not known fully by the mem
bers themselves. But they will be, if
there is any virtue in applying to head
quarters for enlightenment.
1t was stated by the chairman that
office of the Land Commissioner, two
only being employed. He thought that
when strangers arrived in Honolulu,
wanting information such as the office
should be able to give. a great deal
depended upon the manner in which
the inquiries were received, and an
swered. This was not to be construed
as any reflection upon the Commission
er or his clerks, but it was proof that
more men were needed there, and these
should be men qualified to answer
promptly and satisfactorily any and
all questions put to them.
The committee concurred heartily in
this opinion.
Mr. MeCandless stated that there was
no scarcity of land, that all leased gov
ernment land could be given up at any
time. with proper notice, clause to
that effect being inserted in every
lease. He thought that such lands
were available for homesteads.
Amongst other important matters
that were now altogether indefinite
was the vital one of water rights.
Upon this point, in a good many places,
nobody could speak with authority.
The chairman said that this matter had
been thoroughly fought out in Califor-
MIA, and it had taken good many
years. But the law there now is clear
beyond any dispute. Comparatively
little had been done in these islands in
this direction. How it might work to
the disadvantage of the settler was
pointed out, it being shown what could
happen should an owner on the high |
lands be disposed to cut off the water
hi.h ba loxrar lands 1
dependent. This, it was thought, call |
ed for some prompt and efficient legis- |
lation.
Another point was discussed at
length and that was, the advantage |
If securing holdings in fee simple over
eases In the latter event, a man |
might lease lands being at the time |
n sound health and prosperous cir
Should misfortune over
AXE him and he could not meet his |
he lost everything-his
work and all that he had invested in |
Lands that we're bought |
to the buyer, and even if he
vas forced to sell, he would not lose
Lands that could be |
bought, not leased. were in demand
1t was shown that there was a good !
leal lacking. also, in the way of sur
reys and maps. It was very neces-
,arv that there should be a complete
survey of all lands available for cul-
ivation.
Mr.. McCandless believed that this
lad already been done, and cited the
surveys of the Kapaa lands as an
The estates on Kauai were also dis
ussed, these at present being chiefly
leld in large tracts by few owners.
But even there, it was believed that
he owners could be induced to sell. or
ease. on reasonable terms tracts for1
holdings. and that
here were good lands to be had all
yer the islands.
Secretary Wood made suggestion
o the effect that information be asked
rom the Commissioner of Public ;
.ands. the trustees of the Bishop es-
ate. and others, as to the facts which Z
aust be obtained that letters of IN
uiry could be answered intelligently.
Ie felt confident that such informa-
ion would be willingly given. These
uestions pertained to the amount of
md to be had. the cost of clearing,
lowing and fencing. and the crops to I
-hich the soil was adapted.
AS an example of the letters con-
family received by Secretary Wood.
a read the following, which had just
9me to hand:
AN INQUIRY FROM EUROPE
Grand Oriental Hotel. {
Colombo. Ceylon. 4th April. 1908. f
I. P. Wood. Esq, Secretary, Hawaii 5
Promotion Committee, Honolulu, I
Hawaii
Dear sir: Having noticed your cir r
1lar posted in the reading room Of g
le Grand Oriental Hotel in this city, {
take the liberty of addressing you f
his communication. in the hope that h
,u will be so good as TO furnish me
ith the information I seek.
NV firm is interested in the cultiva- Y
on and preparation Of tobacco for il
le various markets of the Continent T
Continued on Page Two) In