The Hawaiian gazette., 1911-01-06
Local Happenings Of Half and
- Quarter Century Ago -
Glimpses of the Town and Townfolk
From Advertiser Files of This Week
~ - in Years 1860 and 1885 ~ ~
FIFTY YEARS AGO.

twelve month since our last holiday
season occurred. Yet so it is. Months,
weeks and days have sped by almost
imperceptibly, till the twilight shadows
on the dial Of eighteen hundred and
sixty are nearly faded, and the dawn
of eighteen hundred and sixty-one is
already upon us. "Merrie Christmas, ("
with its gladstone cheer, has come and
gone, followed closely by New Year 5,
equally i day of festivity and rejoicing
in many countries, and in none more
80 than in the United States, where
the custom of visiting or making New
Year S calls is extensively in practise.
1t originated among the New Workers,
who received it from their Dutch ances-
tors. The custom is truly a delightful
one, and it is not to be wondered at
that its observance is extending
throughout the world. 1t is a season
for Strengthening old friendships and
forming new ones, and sometimes for
renewing those which have been broken.
1t is well for Honolulu that this
pleasant custom has been introduced
here, for we need more of the ameliorat-
ing influence of free social intercourse
among us. There is too much tendency
to ascetism, to bury in our own nap
kins the little worth and congeniality
that may be in us, to leave our lamps
untrimmed and bedusted with the cob
webs of care and ennui, forgetting that
we are but a part of a social organiza-
ton or mechanism in which our place
and position is as necessary to it as
any one of the wheels is to a watch.
With each incoming year we are apt,
in reviewing the past, to form resolu-
tions to break off old and vicious habits
resolves that in too many instances,
however, are never carried out. Still,
it is well to begin the year with good
resolutions, even if the weakness of
the flesh causes us to fall short of the
object aimed at before the year closes.
The arrow aimed at the sun, will go
farther than when pointed only at the
horizon. By trying, something may be
done of service to ourselves or others.
Firmness and resolution are as neces-
sary to accomplish the ordinary pur-
poses of life as the greatest deeds.
The future opens unclouded before us,
and well it is so, for the stoutest heart
would be shaken could he read in ad-
vance the history of the year which
he is now entering upon.
In stepping over the threshold of the
new year 1861, let all forget the foibles
and chickering's of the past, and look on
the brighter picture of the future, seek
ing to strew the journey of life with
flower and favors which cost the giver
nothing, but impart happiness to the
recipient. To each of our readers we
heartily wish a Happy New Year!
Extensive Conhagration! The larg
est fire which has probably ever Oc-
CURED in Honolulu broke out Saturday
evening, December %, about six-thirty
O'Clock, in the steam -four mill. The
alarm was Immediately given, but be-
fore the engines were on the ground,
the whole interior of the building was
in flames. The fire soon spread and
fourteen adjoining buildings were de.
stroyed, at a loss of $4,000
The promptness with which our citi-
zens turned ont and aided the fire com
panies in checking the progress of the
flames is commendable. The officers and
crew of the H. B. Ship Alert deserve
special praise for their assistance,
which was timely and valuable. Among
those whose efforts were most conspicu-
Gus, George Peoples, connected with
Wilson & Co.'S circus, deserves notice.
1t was owing to his bravery, in cutting
through the roof of the government
warehouse, and getting on to it with
the engine hose, that that building was
saved. Governor Kekuanaoa's prompt
arrival with forty assistants, each with
a bucket, also aided in checking the
progress of the flames. Besides the
governor His Majesty the King and
Prince Lot were both on the ground
and both worked as efficiently as any
person there. All honor to their noble
conduct.
Four engines were in service, and
worked well, but the chief trouble ex-
perienced was in the frequent bursting
of the hose, which caused much de-
lay and vexation. This fire has shown
the necessity of a larger and better
supply of hose. We have good engines,
but they are of little use without
strong leather hose.
The Sailors Home.-The friends of
this deserving institution will be happy
to learn that it commences the year
1861 free of debt The Home, under
the careful management of Mrs.
Thrum, can no doubt be made to pay
its way without mourning new liabili.
ties. The debt just paid off was on
account of the original cost Of con.
structing the building, and not for any
current expenses.
The Circus,-This place of entertain.
ment was open on Tuesday evening,
and the tent crowded as usual. The
bare backed horsemanship of Mr.. PEG.
pies, as the Indian, is really excellent
and daring, as was also the Roman
gladiators, performed by Messrs. Peo-
Piles and Franklin. But the elephant
is the wonder, and it is surprising with
what agility and intelligence he ex-
hibits his different feats-on casks, stand
ing ON two legs, either way, all at the
instant command of his trainer. Next
comes the talking pony Cinderella, who
goes through her tricks, such as dancing,
answering questions by nodding her
head, laying down, sitting, etc, all of
which goes TO show to what extent a
pony can be taught. Last, but not least,
come the well-trained mules, Pete and
Barney, which wind up the performance
with considerable zest and satisfaction.
Sudden Departure.-We understand
that Capt sowle went 10 sea some days
ago, but In what vessel has not been
learned. The two judgments rendered
aaaingt him in tho Admiraltv Can't