The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1911-11-10

Father Rougior questions the y
= right Of the United States TO =;
+ raise ITS flag over Palmyra ISL X
and, near Tanning, and is still =;
= of the belief that Great Brit. =
+ ain considers the island to be y
y included in the British posses y
!, sions Father Rougier was sur =
X prised on arriving here to learn y;
y that Judge Cooper had purchas \
x ed the islet and that the Amer X
X lean flag would float above it. y
X X X * X * * X Il j. y X X X 4 X X
AS former ownor Of Tanning and
Washington Islands, Father Rougier
may return to his former principality
from Honolulu in japanese power
sampan. He had such a proposition un-
der consideration yesterday, when he
learned that the Hawaii Yacht Club
proposed to exact too heavy bond
from him for the safe return of the
yacht Hawaii, which he at first expect
ed to charter for the trip to flaming.
The South Seas financier hoped to
conclude arrangements yesterday for
the charter of the Hawaii, but the $780,
900 bond which was asked of him in
addition to tho charter money was too
much. The schooner Luka was offered
him. but the Father did not wish to
buy her, although the little vessel
rather suited his fancy. He is not in
the buying business just now for he
Is selling practically all of his hold
1ngs in the South Seas.
Four years ago Father Rougier had
never seen Tanning and Washington Is
lands. When the islands were put up
for sale at Suya by the High Commits
sioner of the British Crown Father
Rougier's bid of $4,000 pounds sterling
gave him the deed except thirty-six
acres, which are controlled by the
cable company having a big station
there. He expected to realize on those
islands, having faith not only in their
commercial possibilities, but in the pro-
ducts Of sponges, pearls and pearl she'll
to be found in the great lagoon, for
practically only 5000 acres are land on
flaming, the interior being broken up
into series Of great lagoons, with an
entrance from tho sea something like
that at Pearl HarbOr.
His PROFITS in Copra.
He has sold the two islands for $780,
0o0, or nearly three times what he paid
for them, and reserves the present crop
Of ccpra to his own use and profit. Both
islands produce about 400 tons of eopra
annually and he receives on the market
about $3.50 per ton, making an annual
output of about $4,000. The expenses
are rather high but his profits are about
$4,000.
/, Tanning Island lies in the Pacific,
exactly 1850 miles south of Honolulu,
in 30:51 n and $50 w, while Washing
ton Island is in 40;43 N and 100 w.
Washington Island appears to be the
better island for cocoanut growing just
now, although Tanning has a fairly
good grade of phosphate in addition to
copra, while, according to Father
the pearl fisheries can be de-
veloped into an extremely valuable
asset.
Father Rougier has been head of the
ruling power in the two islands, There |
are no officials of the British govern
ment on either islet and whatever pun
ishment is necessary to be dealt out to
the natives working on the plantations,
is melted by Father Rougier, generally /
a dockage of pay. If man steals and
is found out the Father docks his wages,
and various other offenses are treated |
in the same way If there is crime
which needs the law to handle, the case
is transferred to Suva
Father Rougier has ambitious plans
the future of the islands
as a coaling and naval base for the
aeets of the British Empire, but he sees
1 great commercial port ahead when
The Panama Canal is opened.
To Develop Free Port.
"Fanning as free port, where mer-
liners, tramps and all ships
the Pacific to China, Philip
pines or Australia; may enter and OBJ
ain coal and other supplies, viii be-
.ome powerful factor in the develop
nent of the Paeific,'p says tho Father.
lie shows map and to him it is con-
'lusiye that the shortest and best route
cross tho Pacific from Panama lie via
Tanning will take trade from Homo
ulu," he added, for it seems TO be
veil known among shipping concerns
hat Honolulu Is an expensive port. If
were head of a big steamship con-
ern with vessels plying to this part
Z the world. and Farming was q sta
ION, would send them there, for as
free port it will become popular.
here win be no fear of guarantees,
o distressing waits, no trouble about
abof and no trouble at all; for being a
rec port they will all save money by
ding there
81 was rather surprised on arriving I
ere 10 learn that Palmyra Island had
cen purchased by Judgt Cooper, and !
iat Il VIA considered 90 American Is. I
nd. ] had always understood II was
aimed by the British Grown. and /
n of the opinion Great Britain may
e consider that her flag = entitled
, 6aat over IT,
hsy Hatch Big Behams.
Father IepfieF = rather myslsslons
bout this fafaFs HeFemenls, bDi sfafes !
- BE ekpeAle ~ IslaTa here u about !
lfee Hoaila. ile mag thea haze 5 Z
fMf asAHWH E4HIah iii Lac - IA =