Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1756-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more
Image provided by: University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI
Newspaper Page Text
AUSTIN'S HAWAIIAN WEEKLY. Business aod Real Estate, The PreBa. The full sympathetic co-operation of these great powers, real estate and the press, may build up or pull down the destinies of any city, and it behooves us at all times to work in harmony; it is mutual life or mutual death. Reliable information on all bus iness transactions is of the greatest value to capital; and the free circulation of money in all substantial improvements within a city spreads its blessings to the remotest corners of the community. It is but a few years ago that one man of broad and comprehensive views ot life and possibilities of a city forced a prosperity that made his name dear to that class of the community who represented the bone and muscle, and sent joy to the humble homes of all. There were no trade unions then against capital, no conflict be tween money and labor. The "one gave the other received, and harmony and mutual interests prevailed. The press always came to the front for approval and aid, so the working of great minds and carrying out of great enterprises made honorable labor and laid the foundation for a great city. That man was Wm. C. Ralston and with his death came a great shock to San Francisco and the State of California. There are men now living among us who have the wealth and talent to imitate this man of public spirit and private charities, if they would set a proper value upon the gifts of their Creator and remember that shrouds have no pockets and the most lasting monuments to man are his good deeds to his fellow men. The passing tribute of love which is handed from parent to child, is a blessing upon his soul whenever his name is mentioned in the family circles of the poor. It is now too common for great disputes to follow the death of wealthy men. Suits of bitter and acrimonious contests consume fre quently large portions of estates. Much of which could and would , be saved if men would remember the certainty of death and so prepare for the event by doing it fearlessly, and arranging for His coming. In the event of this not having been done, and all is left to those who survive, how much would be saved if proper and intelligent agents were selected to form valuations and honestly represent the property of the departed. Careless and ignorant appraisements lead to future trouble and unnecessary inhar--monious divisions and destructions. Let the good judging, experienced woiker in realty come to the front, and the press in supporting his actions and his known integrity, will give confi dence to thj work. The Marhet. There is a spirit of activity in taking possession of the real estate market and it is anticipated by brokers and dealers that in a short time business will brighten up to a considerable extent, localities for business and residences are sought for, and it may be somewhat surprising but nevertheless true that the sound of the hammer' is heard with greater activity in the district known as Kewalo. More building has been done in this locality within the last sixty days than elsewhere in Honolulu and property has gradually increased in value,-notwithstanding our late difficulty. Many are filling and grading their lots and preparing for building. Its proximity to the business center places it in position for demand. The many homes while not pretensious are comfortable and of neat architecture comparatively as to their cost. Parhs. More or less publication is making its rounds in the daily papers relative to available sights for parks and by way of a suggestion. I mention that the quarry on the south slope of Punchbowl might do. At present it is unsightly, dangerous, and a menace to the locality. It will not surprise me if it may be recorded at any time the untimely calling away from earth of some of the little children who often use the place as a recreation ground. The unsightly and disagreeable place with veiy little expense could be transformed into a very beautiful park of terraces, where the residents in this locality and others could enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the harbor and ocean. Protected as it is, and with the opportunities offered, it would be come a very popular park. Otherwise it should be properly fenced. House for Rent. There is a wonderful demand for desirable houses to rent either furnished or unfurnished in this city and to the writer it is a gieat surprise that capital here is not confining itself to the erection of suitable rental property. Tenants who are desirable are willing to pay good interest upon all investimcnts and with the fact existing that there are not available homes for rent is not surprising that our moneyed men hesitate to built houses for rent ? Ordinarily four and five percent suffices to please capital, but in this instances eight and nine per cent net, would be realized. Capital, awaken 1 Brush off the cob webs so long laying upon your eyes. "An Ounce off Precention, Etc." The matter of sewering the entire city should be taken in hand immediately and the best and most experienced engineers on such subjects should be secured. Go ahead with the good work that, has been commenced and thus secure the rapid settlement of the most desirable portions of the City, and at the sams time remove the ever present menace to the health of the entire population, for, being in the wake of southerly winds no portion is free from its evil influences. Let there be no fear of cost. No city is so sound as when great improvements are in progress with a healthful ex penditure of money among the laboring class of its population prosperty is sure to follow in the wake of judicious distribution of money for permanent improvements, and more than all, the health of the dear little ones assured. Missed Opportunities. An incident is related in the Chicago Herald which il lustrates a feature which has often been brought home to persons who have '"missed their opportunities." It is often remarked by older citizens of San Francisco that they could have secured such and such a property at a sum which now seems ridiculously small. Likewise the world holds many an individual who regrets that he did not invest in reality in some now thriving city, where he could have gotten all he wanted at a mere tithe of its present value. The property which furnishes the Herald's illustration is on the north east corner of Madison and Clark streets, Chicago. It was originally platted by the Morrison Brothers, who, in their day, were lively real estate hustlers. They platted this sub division and hung out a sign: "Twenty-five feet for twenty five dollars." It is stated that wise men winked the other eye when they passed this placard and hinted to the agents that -it was a very bad day for suckers. The same thing has been illustrated often in Honolulu and other cities, and very likely there are the same wise-acres today who smile at some of the latest investments in outside property. Very likely they will live long enough to see their predictions set aside, and the men who have pluck and confidence in the future of this city will reap a harvest. It is safe to predict that as long as electric cars can be extended and the people can be conveyed to the center of the city for a five cent fare, cheap property in these localities will be in lively demand. Again Punchbowl in itself offers every availalle advantage for a storage reservoir. Its height will give many advantages which our present water supply is deficient ot. Water might be pumped to this height, and distributed from there, which would not necessitate the present method of getting water which a few of us, who are unfortunate to live on the Punchbowl slopes, are compelled to adopt at present. All this can be remedied and should be; it may save a conflagation sooner or later. A diive way may be built surrounding this reservoir and this boulevard lined with trees will not only increase popularity of this grand scenic driveway but it will be picturesque and admired by tourists. Will E. Fisher. JSkS,