The Garden Island. [volume] (Lihue, Kauai, H.T.) 1902-current, 1918-08-20
KAUAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HOLD HOLD SNAPPY MEETING AND
TAKE UP HOMESTEADERS PROBLEMS

OF any advantage uue W HlSh pudiily
prices consequent of careful cultiva-
ton, etc.
Various other less important de-
fects in the proposed contract were
pointed out and the speaker empha-
sized the importance of securing i'm
portant notifications, since this form
of contract would undoubtedly rank
as standard and it would be very diff
ficult for any one to secure better
terms.
Mr.. Crawford called attention to the
fact that under this contract at the
best, the planter would realize only
S4S from his ton of sugar while the
mill would realize $71, which seems
an unfair division considering that
the planter must furnish the land, and
take care of the crop for upwards of
two years, while the mill manufac-
lures it in a few hours, and at very
reasonable expense. Even deducting
the abnormal cost of marketing, say
S25 per ton, there still remains a bal
ance unduly high to the credit of the
mill.
Mr.. Brandt thought that the Home
steaders had been remiss in not hav-
ing made themselves heard in the
matter before this. Apparently this
form of contract is far along towards
final adoption and it may now already
be too late to secure any modification.
At this late date it is a question what
anybody can do, since there does not
seem to be time for an investigation,
or for any careful consideration of the
Mr. Lydgate considered that this was
an exceptionally, important matter,
not alone nor mainly for the Home
steaders, but for the general public,
and for the future welfare of our is
land. 'It may be that the Homestead
ers are belated in calling attention to
the deficiencies of this contract but at
any rate they are ahead of any of
the rest of us in the matter, and it
is up to us, and to the Chamber to
take active and immediate measures
in the interest of the public welfare.
Accordingly Mr.. President | move
that a committee of five be appointed
by the chair, two of whom shall be
representative Homesteaders and the
remaining three members of this body,
to make such an investigation as is
possible of the proposed contract and
in case it shall seem to be unjust to
the homestead interests, that they
shall formulate protest to the Gov
ernor using such means and methods
as may in their judgement be necess-
ary."
On suggestion of Mr.. Cheatham this
motion was amended to include a re-
quest by wireless to the Governor to
grant a hearing and conference in
the matter
Mr.. Wishard thought that there
would be no difficulty in securing such
hearing, as he inferred from what
the Governor said on his recent visit
that he was anxious to hear from all
Interested parties in the mater.
The motion was passed with the
hearty approval of the Chamber.
After a few minutes intermission
the president appointed this commit
tee as follows:
2. NJ. Cheatham, f. r. Tracey, Frank
Crawford, j. NJ. Lydgate and Charles
Fl. Wilcox,
Immediately after the close of the
meeting the Secretary sent the follow
ing wireless to the Governor:
The Kauai Chamber of Commerce
requests an opportunity for confer
ence In the matter of Homesteader
Sugar Contracts.
Later an answer was received from
the Governor "No objection to such
conference"