March 1907.] 



179 



Miscellaneous. 



on the coast have about doubled during the last fiscal year, the figures are not to be 

 relied upon as a true criterion of the condition of this industry. This commodity 

 figures largely in the importations from the coast, and the statistics at hand do 

 not show the importation of rice from Japan. The consumption of Japanese rice 

 in these islands is very large and would throw an interesting light on the question. 

 There is no doubt, however, that the Hawaiian rice industry has improved its 

 condition materially during the last year. The coffee growers and bee-keepers are 

 to be congratulated on the excellent progress they have achieved in their 

 departments. 



Among the exports which have lost ground in the last fiscal year, sugar has 

 already been referred to. Fibre has, we regret, diminished to the extent of $982. 

 This is surprising in view of the excellent quality of Hawaiian grown sisal, and we 

 hope in another year to see the old figures again attained. At present there is only 

 one plantation exclusively engaged in sisal production, but there are several smaller 

 growers who will no doubt be soon marketing their produce which will help to 

 redeem the situation. Another item, akin in nature to fibre and which has also 

 depreciated in the amount of its export, is that designated as " straw and palm 

 leaf manufactures." Although the value of these for 1905 was insignificant, viz., 

 $747, yet this could not be maintained last year and fell to $559. During the same 

 period our importation of straw and palm leaf manufactures increased $7,861 in 

 value and made the imposing total of 5>28,864. There seems to be a good field 

 indicated here for the establishment of a factory for the manufacture of articles 

 made from palm-leaf, straw and similar products. 



Of imports from the mainland during the past two years, the following 

 items are quoted as affecting more nearly the question of our home industries :— 



While Hawaii will never be able to exclude certain commodities from her 

 list of imports, a full development of her agricultural resources should materially 

 diminish some of the above totals. This appears particularly true of the items 

 enumerated above as Cocoa, Coffee, Eggs and Vinegar. Although certain proprietory 

 brands of cocoa may be preferred and probably account for the value of this 

 import, there appears to be little reason why this article is not grown here and 

 does not even figure on our exports. The production of vinegar from bananas and 

 other articles is a profitable operation and should repay experiment. The large 

 importations under fruits and nuts would seem unnecessary in a countrv whose 

 climate and soil is particularly adapted to fruit culture. Although much of the 

 imported California fruit, such as apples, pears and plums could not be produced 

 here, yet the islands should not depend upon other countries for their orange 

 supply. The paucity of Hawaiian grown oranges in the market is remarkable in 

 view of their excelleut quality. The interest which is now being diverted to 

 Hawaiian grown tobacco, makes the value of the importations of this article note- 

 worthy, With an annual local consumption of half a million dollars worth of, 



Articles. 1905. 



1906, 



243, 5SS 

 10,788 

 11,029 

 12,995 

 198,495 

 132,123 

 587,334 

 164,863 

 6,034 

 494,818 

 5,886 



