The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1908-10-02

HILo, Hawaii, September every
interesting were the proceedings at the
hearing held in Hilo on Thursday last
by the Advisory Land Law Commission,
hut the amount of interest manifested
by the public was not overwhelming.
As n matter of fact, no more than half
a dozen dropped in during the day, out
side of those who went to offer evil
dence or suggestions. The Commission
ers themselves can not be accused Of
over enthusiasm, as less than half their
number attended the initial sitting.
In opening the proceedings, Chairman
Lewis remarked that Governor Frear
had set up this Commission to inquire
into the land laws of the Territory and
report to him as to what changes in
legislation are desirable There might
also be matters of administration that
require adjusting, and the Commission
would also report upon that subject.
They would be glad to receive sugges-
lions from residents in different parts
of the Territory as to what amendments
and these would have every considera
ton.
w. s. Wise Talks.
w. s. Wise, attorney.at.law, was the
6rst to tender statement. He stated
that before coming to Hawaii he had
Lived in California, and had had oppor.
tunities of observing the operation of
the Federal land laws and the admins
tration of the public domain in Nebras:
ka. His experience of land matters in
this Territory had been principally in
the town of Hilo, and there were some
matters here to which he wished to
draw attention. There is, he said, quite
large lot of public land in the town
which many people in Hilo would be
glad TO acquire; and he held that the
government has no right to hold lands
for speculative purposes. If the pub
lie lands here were cut up and sold, the
people would make more improvements.
There are about one and half acres
nearly opposite Mooheau Park which
would be taken up for business pur.
poses if it were available. Another lot
Of about three acres mauka of Front
street would also be taken up. At
present the government derives no in.
come from these lands. As far as he
knew, there was no reason why these
lands should not be sold, and there was
svery reason why they should be.
Judge Lyman's Views.
Judge Lyman, who next took the
stand, claimed some right to speak, from
the fact that he has lived all his life
IN the Territory and was a member of
the Legislature that passed the exist
ing land laws. He expressed his con-
viction that there was more in admin
istration than in laws themselves. Be.
fore passing the statute, the Legisla.
ture had before it the land laws of New
Zealand and Australia, and those that
we're considered the best were adopted.
Mr.. Smith: What is your criticism
of the law, after seeing its operation
for fourteen or fifteen yearsl
Mr.. Lyman: The law, / think, is
fairly satisfactory, if administered
properly and according to its spirit and
intentions; but it has been administer
cd arbitrarily.
The Chairman: In what way has tn,
administration faileds
Mr.. Lyman: The land is taken NJ
mostly by people of very little means
and the result is that they can moi
make a living ON it, and have to seel
employment elsewhere, and so they car
nv NV Soh'ihuouoiy VII thVli iOlo. L III
authorities have insisted that settlers
should live continuously upon their lot.
in some cases holding that they mus
sleep on them 1865 days in the year.
consider it impossible for people t,
comply strictly with such regulations
Eighty per cent. of those who hat
taken up land under these condition
were unable to comply with the resi-
dence clause. A report was made tire
or four years ago by the Board o
Trade of Hilo regarding holdings undo
base and of people being unable to ge
their titles. i believe the report wa
sent to the Governor and was printed
The Chairman: How would you in
Aerpret the residence clausel
Mr.. Lyman: i would make liberia
Interpretation, allowing settlers to i'm
prove their lands while following thei
occupations.
A Practical Mans Opinions.
e. Macaulton stated that in 1895 h,