The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1911-05-18
WHARFAGE TAX
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NCOuIluuBQ IIOm page uNSJ
bring the matter to what we consider
a satisfactory conclusion. Rather
han to make any suggestions at this
time, we respectfully lay the matter
before the Association for such action
as it may deem necessary"
Mr. Swain opened the debate by
saying that representation was moth
ing more than what was due to the
Association. It contributed a large
of the voluntary tax. He
hardly understood what the position
of the Shippers Wharf Committee
was. The Association should be IN
touch with the moneys voluntarily
paid into the emergency fund. ~
the last meeting no objection '9
raised to the tax It was a small tax
but he understood that quite 2 large
fund was accumulated. Protection or
the public health, for which it was
intended. was most important. Tour
ist travel in the past few weeks mad
been cut off, entailing a loss, of nun
dreds of thousands of dollars. There
was no question with the members
of continuing the tax, not merely 70
1918. but perpetually, but they were
entitled to representation.
Mr.. Waldron, answering a query
by Mr.. Warren, explained the condi-
ton laid down as meaning that the
Association would be bound by unan-
imous vote to continue the payment
whether it had any say in disposal
of the fund or not.
Mr.. Wakefield said unanimous as
surance of the Association was essen
tial. He thought it a reasonable con
dition.
Mr.. Warren asked if the condition
was not that the fund should be spent
for the protection of commercial in
terests.
Mr.. Waldron doubted if any man
in the room knew how the money
was being spent today. Some of il
might be going to the Hawaiian Pro
motion Committee, but they could
not tell.
General Soper regarded the condi
tons imposed as an absolute com
mand. do so and so and you vii
hve representation" 1t put the AS
sociation up against blank wall
At no time had the Association con
templated stopping payment of the
tax. II only desired to have repre-
sentation so that questions asked by
contributors could be satisfactorily
answered. The condition presented
was arbitrary. This was. an inde
pendent body and it was not exactly
the right way in which 1t should be
treated.
Mr.. Watkins asked about the origin
of the committee. Was it appointed
by the Chamber of Commerce?
President White said Mr.. Macfar-
lane told them he did not know.
Mr.. Waldron stated that Mr.. Ricn'
ardson, the local agent Of the Stand
ard Oil Company, had rung him up
saying his head office wanted infor
nation about the tax.
Mr.. .Falk asked if all classes o.
merchandise were taxed, remarkine
that there should be no exceptions.
Mr.. Brasch SAID all but oil in bulk
paid. He went on to say he agreed
with Messrs. Waldron and Soper, and
concluded by moving that aftera
certain date, left blank, the payments
should cease.
Mr.. Swain objected to hasty action
They might have to pay dearly foT
abolishing health protection.
Mr.. Mclean agreed with Mr.. Wake
field that there was nothing unreas'
enable in the proposition. He saw
nothing in it to prevent three Asso
ciatien representatives from exercis'
ing their proper functions on the
committee.
General Soper stated that the fund
was started to protect an overdraft
in the Bank of Hawaii on account OF
the Channel wharf. He added that
the terms dictated would leave the
Associations minority on the com
mittee in power.
Mr.. Watkins suggested that a fair
arrangement would be three members
from the Chamber and three from
the Association, these six to appoint