The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1912-03-22
MAY CUT WATER
RATE TO SHIPS
Marston campbelps Move Blocks
Efforts Of Wakefield to
Lower Local Revenues.
(From Thursdays Advertiser

A sweeping reduction to fifty cents
per thousand gallons from the rate now
charged shipping for water supplied by
the government win be made by the
superintendent Of public works at once
provided the harbor commission can
secure the assurance of the chamber of
commerce, merchants association and
local shipping interests, to support the
superintendent in obtaining an appro-
priation TO cover any deficiency which
may occur in the water works depart
,ment. The harbor commissioners yes
terday passed resolution to that
effect.
Chairman Campbell of the harbor
commission, who il also the superin-
tendent of public works, cut the gor-
dian knot of an entangled situation at
the meeting by presenting the resolu-
.tion, which was unanimously passed.
The board will at once lay the propo-
Bition before the commercial bodies
referred to, and endeavor to get them
to take prompt action.
The sudden action of Mr.. Campbell
prompted Commissioner Mccarthy to
testify to the fact that for the past
four years he knew that Mr., Campbell
ahas 'endeavored to secure rate reduc
.!sions, and that he has. carried on
campaign of education by giving ad-
dresses before public bodies. Mr.. Nc
Carthy also gave Mr.. Campbell credit
for introducing the meter system into
Honolulu, the commissioner, rs chair
man of the ways and means committee
of the Hawaiian senate having intro
duced the meter bill on behalf of
Superintendent Campbell.
wakefield RACES.
For an hour Chairman Campbell sub.
ndtted to raking over by Messrs.
Wakefield, Mccarthy and Berndt, over
the question of the present water rates
for--slsiaping, and despite Mr.. Camp
bell g showing that he was tied by
legislative action, MIR. Wakefield put
ON the war paint and endeavored to
show that MIR. Campbell had failed in
his duty as an executive officer and was
personally responsible for the proposal
of at least two shipping concerns to
secure independent supplies of water
for their own and other shipping in
tcrosts, thus looping off about $34 1000
annual revenue to the Territory.
Mr.. Campbell, in reply, traced the
history of the water department, the
various legislative enactments and the
manner in which he was compelled to
make the rates pay for the water sys
TEN and sewer system, as well as the
continued effort he had made as super
intendent to secure changes, during
which time he had had absolutely no
support from the various civic organiza-
Siops.
AT the conclusion of Campbell IS
statements, Mr.. Wakefield said the
superintendent was not correct, and
thereupon presented typewriter reso-
sutton, calling upon the two shipping
companies to Immediately start their
independent water schemes in opposi-
tion to the government.
Tho resolution follows:
Attacks Campbell.
''That this board of harbor commits
sioners views with grave concern, the
extraordinary, and extortfouate charges
made to ships in Honolulu harbor for
water supplied by the Territory of Ha-
wall, and as the superintendent of pub
lie works in whose power lies the ad-
justment of these rates of charge for
water is unable to give reasonably
prompt relief to condition that is
onerous to shipping interests, and Sc
riously detrimental to the commerce of
the port of Honolulu.
"And, whereas we are informed that
the Matson Navigation Co., Ltd, and
the Inter-Island Steamship Co., Ltd,
are seeking supplies of fresh water
from sources other than the supply of
the territorial government.
"Now, therefore, be it resolved, that
70 hAn I'd I'd heu no;,
whose duty it is to secure relief to
shipping, from a condition that is in,
tolerably unjust, recommend to, and
request the Matson Navigation Co.,
Ltd, and the notwithstanding
Co., Ltd, to proceed with all possible
dispatch in the execution of their
plans to secure a supply of fresh water
for their respective uses, and We would
urge that they equip water tenders for
the delivery of water to any and all
vessels in Honolulu harbor needing
same, and we would suggest for their
favorable consideration that the maxi
mum charge rate for water to ships be
fifty cents per thousand gallons.
Colby Received.
The resolution did not meet with an
enthusiastic reception, although it was
seconded by Mr.. Berndt Consideration
of it was deferred to next Wednesday.
MIR. Campbell 3 own resolution, howl
ever, solved the knotty problem.
Mr.. Berndt stated that the Matson
Navigation Company and the Inter
Island company are figuring ON adopt
ing an independent water system, and
that Mr.. Tenney of the former com
pany was practically ready to let
contract for the building of water
barge. If immediate action is not TAX
on both these companies would com
menee operations at once.
Superintendent Campbell differed
with Mr.. Berndt, and said that within
two months special session of. the
legislature would be called and the
whole question could be put mp to the
two houses. He added that of the
100000 gallons supplied daily more
than 100000 was really being charged