The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1911-05-12
MARINE WRITES
ABOUT HONOLULU


new conner in Honolulu, especially
one from the states, would, no
doubt, be the cosmopolitan popula-
ton. The races most in evidence,
not mentioning the 'hooles,' or
whites, are the Japanese, Chinese,
Korean, Portuguese, Italians, the ma
tive Hawaiians, a few Russians, and
occasionally Hindu or Turk.
The Japanese, FOR the most part,
wear their native dress. The wom-
en-. the picturesque kimono, and the
men a sort of robe tied at the waist.
Both sexes wear the wooden san
dals which are slipped off, and lett
outside, upon entering house
These sandals are barometers in
way. The thickness of the wooden
sole varying from an inch in dry
weather to perhaps three inches IN
wet weather.
II is well that the Japanese, the
women especially, keep to their own
mode of dressing. have seen lie"
Japanese women in the modern garO
of civilization, q suppose it must Dc
called,) and the effect OF the
"straight fronts" and merry wild
ows." on their small bodies was grue'
some, to say the least.
The Chinese wear their queues
hut nearly always coiled up on the
head. Very few Chinese women are
IN he seen. These wear the run
trousers" l suppose that is not the
proper word which resemble those
Of a sailors uniform, somewhat, IN
shape. =.
The general feeling in Honolulu is
kinder toward the Chinese than the
Jananese. In trade the former are
more honest, being satisfied with a
legitimate profit, while the shifty
"Jap" is only satisfied with the most
he can get.
The Chinese are Of much more
help in building up the country than
the Japanese. The former buy lanu'
cultivate it. and make permanent
homes. They seem to be quiet, peace
loving people. The men will gamble
most of them. The Japanese SENDS
every cent he can spare back to
the land of the rising sun, and plans
TO go back some day and enjoy It.
They never give up their allegiance
to the Mikado or their country In
case of war, if needed, all are ex-
lpected to return and fight.
| IF the newspapers should succeed
lin stirring up a war between the
United States and Japan, HaWall
will be a great stratetic point invai
liable as coaling station. the DE
lenses are being improved every
day. and with the increase OF the
military forces right along, this VIII
soon be a strong point. There are
thousands of Japanese on the Isl
ands now, who could make it decld
eddy unpleasant for the forces thai
are here at present.
The Kanakas, native Hawaiians
are a hospitable, good natured, mus
following people. They are shiftless
the great majority preferring the
shade of a palm tree, rather thar
work They are not an agriculture
people, the resources of the islands
having been developed by Americans
The chief article of food is pol
the principal ingredient of which Ii
the root of the taro plant, pounded
to a pulp. The sea furnishes wha'
other food is eaten. Shell fish, crabs
cells, etc. These are found along the
beach. The deep sea fishing is al
most entirely done by Japanese
They put to sea in their trim sam
pans" often to be gone for severa
DAYS, and return laden with fish. The
common variety are about two fee'
in length Fairly palatable, but no.
to be compared to fresh water tlsh
in my estimation.
The native feasts called "luaus,
are of common occurrence. "Poi" Il
eaten with the fingers, all sittinf
around in a circle and dipping into
common bowl in the center. The
Kanakas are naturally very adep
and graceful in this style of eating
It is not so easy for "a beginner, bu
after a little practice, it seems u
r taste better eaten this way theI
with a spoon.
. The chief products Of the islands
are sugar, pineapples and bananas
Cotton is being tried as an expert
ment. It should prove a success
Rice is grown extensively, but TO
home consumption.
Many of the tropical fruits foun'