NEWS FROM HAWAII

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12618, 1 December 1926, Page 8

NEWS FROM HAWAII

A LETTER FROM HONOLULU INTERESTING ISLAND ACTIVITIES. HONOLULU (Hawaii), October 21. Two ancient cannon, 6aid to have been thrown overboard from a Russian man-of-war when she went aground in the. year 1808, have been discovered in Haleiwa Bay, near Honolulu. The guns, which were discovered lying in 15tt of water, are deeply encrusted with barnacles and - other sea growth. The discovery was made by an army officer from Fort Kamehameha. The probable history of the cannon is given by Albert P. Taylor, librarian of the Archives at Hawaii, who 6ays that at the time several pieces were thrown overboard to lighten the weight of the ship. One gun was recovered several years ago, and is now on the grounds of the Haleiwa Hotel, a beach resort BAREFOOT FOOTBALL With baseball out of the way, Hawaii, like other parts of the United States, is turning its attention to the gridiron. Outside of the usual interest in the talent that will meet mainland grid teams here this fall, interest centres in the barefoot players. Barefoot football is played by youths of various parts of the city, who throw their prowess against those of other city sections. Lack of funds to carry the game on in full equipment has led to them playing in uniforms composed of light-weight jerseys and overalls. No shoes are worn whatever, and the kicking is just as well done os that seen on high school or college fields. So interested have Honolulu residents and visitors to the islands l>ecome in these barefoot exhibitions that plans are being made to form a barefoot league of teams from all islands with the territorial barefoot championship as tho inducement. MAUI ISLAND EXPOSITION Probably one of the most interesting ex übits ever seen at an American fai- ”, , ~ l h snlayecl at Wailnka when tire tiori °’ au ' holds its annual exposiThe exhibit will consist of Hawaiian [CIS, the floral neckpieces which arc used by residents of the Hawaiian islands to uecorate arriving or departing friends. Jh- lei is so important an element in everyday life of the islands that tho„o in charge of the Maui show have arranged for a display of many varieties Prizes W! 11 he given for many types or thft floral wreaths, according to the published premium list. The most outstanding exhibits will be a* follow: Neck-sized lei made bv individuals; hat"ized made by school children; leis’made from red, yellow, blue, orange, pink or white flowers, with or without greens According to the rule® of the contest prizes will be based upon workmanship, taste in the selection of colours, and perfection of blossoms used. • . • * * ORGAN FOR CHURCH OF CORAL A new organ costing in the neighbourhood of 20,000 dollars, and said to be one the 13 largest in the United States, was recently presented to Kawainhao Church, Honolulu, here by C. Brewer and Co., a sugar firm. Historical sentiment is connected with the gift. The company was founded in 1826 by .Tames Hunnewell, who also brought the first Christian missionaries to the islands in 1820. The Kawaiahno Church, which is one of the oldest religious institutions in Hawaii, has a congregation strictly Hawaiian. The church stands in Palace square, Honolulu’s historical centre, and is constructed of coral rock taken from the reef which protects the islands. A*FAMOUS CONDUCTOR Making hi-; fir*!. public appearance in V“Hi'ri. Henri Berger, former leader of the Royal Hawaiian Band, the

1 baton for the preeent-dav musical organisation when it dedicated a new bandstand in Kapiolani Park here recently. Berger's appearance was significant, for two reasons: First, because Honolulu city officials thought it fitting that he should lead the band once again; second, because it was the aged musician’s 82nd birthday. Berger served as bandmaster under Hawaiian royalty before the islands were annexed to the United States. He is the composer of many Hawaiian musical numbers, and is considered an authority on Hawaiian music, having done much research work with the old chants and melodies. Since relinquishing the direction of the royal organisation he moved to California to make his residence, but recently returned to the islands, where he says he will spend the rest of his days. * • ♦ • SURF-RIDING POPULAR With additional athletic facilities established on Waikiki beach, and a large increase in the number of visitors to the islands, the Hawaiian native sport of surf-riding is to-day claiming more followers than ever before. New buildings and enlarged quarters of the Outrigger Canoe Club, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian water-sports, is in a large way responsible for the increased interest. Tho club constructed new facilities at the time its beach property was adjusted to help in the general landscaping scheme of the new 5,000,000 dollar hotel which is nearing completion on the beach.