LUNCHEON CLUB

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1147, 22 October 1924, Page 6

LUNCHEON CLUB

ADDRuS'S ON HAWAII. A highly interesting and educative address, entitled “The Crossroads of The Pacific,” dealing with Hawaii, was delivered at tho Citizens’ Luncheon Club to-day by Mr T. R. Codder. Air J. A. Colqubouu presided over a very large attendance. Mr Plodder said that he intended only to give a chatty tulk on Honolulu and Hawaii where he recently spent an enjoyable holiday. After touching upon the discovery of Hie group by Captain Cook, who, lie mentioned, was murdered on his return to Hawaii, Mr Plodder said that the chief city, Honolulu, hud a population of about 100,000, of which only some 6000 or 7000 were Europeans, with the exception of tlie military who numbered 15,000 to 20,000. Dealing with vliat he had seen on trips about the eight islands of the group, the speaker said that one feature which impressed the visitor was the ability which must have been displayed by Captain Cook in negotiating tne risky passages in a sailing vessel. Hawaii was one of the great strategic spots of the globe as was evidenced by the following figures:—lt was 2000 miles from San Francisco, 24C0 from Vancouver, 2700 from the Asiatic coast. 44C0 from Australia, 3400 from New Zealand and 4600 from Panama. The Americans, said Air Codder, had poured money into the islands, developing them to a wonderful degree, in contrast with the poorer administration of Fiji by ihe British. The United States had fortified Hawaii very strongly and there was a garrison of 15,000 or 20,000 men, while next year some 45,000 additional military would take up residence there for some months, when American warships would make a tour of the Pacific. Alt this, the speaker thought, was America’s precaution against Japanese aggression. Air Plodder alluded to social functions which lie had attended at Honolulu and then proceeded to mention the splendid arid cheap tram system, and the total absence of smoke, dust and flies in the city. lie only saw two smoke stacks in Honolulu. There were 14,000 or 15,000 motor cars there and they could lie had for half the New Zealand prices, while the roads were splendid. He pointed out. the manner ill which tho Honolulu competitive banks and public organisations encouraged thrift, stating that much in this direction could well be done in New Zealand. Honolulu was largely run by “the big five” —controlling financial magnates-—who, however, possessed die true civic spirit. These men, for instance, iiad made munificent gifts to tiic Y.A1.0.A. and Y.W.C.A

Sugar and pineapples were the chief exports and huge sums were set aside for research purposes in improving the industries and combating posts. Most nationalities were represented in Honolulu, including Americans, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipinos. Koreans. Spaniards, Caucasians. Negroes, Porto Ricans and Asiatics and Europeans of many climes.

The conclusion of the address was signalised by applause and on tho motion of the Rev. 11. T. Peat the speaker was accorded a hearty voto of thanks.