The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1913-03-28

in the upper house. With tho excep-
ton of n few minutes in the afternoon,
absolutely no time was wasted in uss-
less debate or argument.
Committee Reports.
A dozen or more lengthy committee
reports, all on important measures,
were sent in on top of each other. In
addition nine new bills were introduced.
Aside from the first few days of tho
session this marks record in this line.
An inclination was shown to use eau
ton in enacting legislation in matters
dealing with the homestead laws of the
Territory, when Huddy's bill, intended
to facilitate the acquisition by the Ter
ritory of private lands to be used for
homestead or settlement purposes, came
up. Consideration of the measure pre-
vious to passage ON second reading was
continued until this morning.
The bill would give the land com
missioner power to acquire on behalf
of the Territory in fee simple, or other
wise private lands for homestead pur-
poses. In turn he is authorized to dis
pose of the property as prescribed by
law. The money so derived would be
paid into the treasury as n special
proved vouchers from the land commits
sioner. The money shall be used, it Is
set forth, for tho acquisition of pri-
vate lands.
Though the measure is apparently
plain on its face, some of tho senators
yesterday evinced desire to give it
more study and for that reason further
consideration went over until this morn
ing.
To Help Land Purchaser.
The Judiciary committee also thought
it wise to make the terms of pur-
tract, on tho Island of Hawaii, more
liberal to the purchaser with small
means. Under this bill, which was in
troduced by Metzger, cash would DO ro-
quired from purchasers at the. time of
purchase.
The committee changed this to make
the first payment twenty per cent, the
balance to be in annual instruments of
twenty per cent until paid. Deferred
payments will bear interest at six per
cent and preference in the purchase of
lots shall be determined by lot.
"Hawaii g land laws are badly in
need of revision" said Senator Make
kau yesterday. As it is now, but few
persons in the Territory know anything
about the manner in which they can
acquire public land or an opportunity
to file on land soon to be acquired by
the Territory We would save coming
generations much annoyance, and do
much in attracting more stttlers il we
would repeal every land law on our
statute books and adopt a few brief
and simple laws which would cover the
subject thoroughly and intelligontly. AS
il is now, we must move cautiously in
passing new land legislation"
Six of the nine new bills of tho dan
were introduced by Senator Chilling.
, worth. Everyone is intended to i'm
= prove health conditions in the Territory
! and increase the scope of the board OF
health. One of the measures 10 intend
!. . ed to put stop to tho practise of de
stroying top minnows, the greatest aid
Of the health department in its fight
against mosquitoes. The top minnow
destroys the larvae of the mosquitoes
, Another of the six bills will require
proper cleanliness of dwelling places
while another will compel owners OF
!. vacant land to keep their property in
sanitary condition. Further protec.
! tion to water supplies is also afforded
by one bill
Three house bills passed through
third reading and now go to tho Gov
ernor for action. The rapid manner in
which house bills are being handled
in the senate WAS noticed by President
3 Knudsen yesterday, when he spoke OF
the slow manner in which senate meas
ures are being handled in the lower
house.
| Numerous committee meetings SEIZED
! uled later in the day hastened adjourn,
mont shortly after two 'clock yester
. day afternoon.