The Hawaiian gazette., 1915-05-07
Shall we Gro,O Food Crops

FTNHE Army rs constantly advocating greater
diversihcation of industries in Hawaii, for
the strictly military reason that an inadequate
food supply would materially decrease the defens-
Utility of these Islands. IL
On the other hand the fate that has thus far
met the majority o those who have attempted
general farming, or the cultivation of crops in
tended for local sale rather than for transshp-
ment and export, has not been such as to tempt
others to follow the paths blazed by the pioneers
The question naturally arises, is there any legih-
mate way of mending the situation. 10
The present condition of the onion industry is
an immediate illustration. About six years ago
the Hawaii experiment station devoted consider
able attention to this CROP and worked out, by
careful experiments methods of cultivation yarie-
ties best suited to Hawaiian soils and climate, and
the curing, packing and marketing of onions. The
station imported and distributed seed from Ma
deira.
As result OF this careful and painstaking work
the station experts made clear the way for the
successful establishment of new industry. A
large number of small farmers tried the crop in
small way so that by the end of 1913 the product
was commencing to appear in the local markets in
considerable volume. Profits were satisfactory
that many who had been holding back waiting for
the experimenters to make good perfected their ar
rangements and started into the business on a
more extended scale.
Here was something exactly in line with what
the military authorities and the United States de-
partment of agriculture have been advocating since
annexation-a industry to produce something
that could be exported, but which would supply
part of the food for the civilian and military pop
ulation in time. ~
At this point, however, new factor entered in.
The appearance of home grown onions in sufficient
volume to amount to several months supply was
an interference with the profits of merchants who
had been heavy importers of produce and who had
up to this time exercised complete control of the
onion market and especially of the Army contracts
for this produce. Several times individuals or
combinations OF farmers secured such contracts Tor
onions of their own growing. '~h' ~
Now, dear old pound foolish, Uncle Sam likes
to be penny wise, as we all known If Uncle can
economize' half a'cent on ton of beef or a car
load of -four it looks mighty fine printed in black
faced type as the last item on page 1873 Of gov
eminent report, which no one ever reads, not even
in the wids Of Brooklyn. However, it happened,
or who did it, no one knows, but there were no
Army onion contracts let to small growers for the
best part of year. AS result there are lot of
ten-acre farms over windward Oahu where the
ground is still carpeted with mosaic of the rot
ting crop, some dug and some simply left in the
row.
From the importers standpoint no wrong has
been committed. The merchant, who pays his
taxes, rents and merchandise license fees and is a
straightforward clean-cut man of affairs must
protect his own business, or lose it. He has a
right to his profits Both law and custom will
protect him in any legitimate transaction. There
is sentiment in competition for trade. Any
merchant can buy where he pleases and seR at
bare cost if he wants to and can afford it.
Here is plain statement Of fact. There are
fifty a hundred small farmers on Maui, Oahu
and Kauai who went into business that seemed
reasonably safe and which was recommended by
the government, but who now find that there is
absolutely market for their product in COM
munity where their main crop is an article of al
most daily consumption in many households.
We have suggested an Onion Day to be held one
week from next Saturday. The Hawaiian onion
farmers flat their backs. Is it matter of
enough importance to this Territory for the onion
users to help the onion growing small farmers
stand on their own feet? II ~