[Found under: “NOTES OF THE WEEK.”]
A Public Park—Nothing is more needed here in Honolulu than a public park, and if we are ever to have one, now is the time to make a move and secure the land. Years ago, there was some talk about a Park on the plains, to be called “Thomas’ Square.” The land reserved for it is there still, and the lots too, which were sold under the excitement, they are there still—all unfenced and barren and unproductive as investments as the day they were sold. Had “Thomas’ Square” been fenced and improved 12 years ago, there would be to-day a grove, which if not an ornament to the city, might have improved the value of property around it very much. Had Honolulu half the enterprise of eastern cities, Punchbowl hill would be converted into a public park with a carriage drive around the summit crest, guarded of course by a wall, and the bowl laid ont with cross walks and drives that would make it an attractive resort. A carriage road can, with no very great outlay, be made from the royal school house, around the North base, and then up the east side, circling, if necessary, the hill, so as to make the ascent easy. Not one city in a hundred has a better site for a promenade or a more lovely prospect than that from Punchbowl hill. If you doubt it, take a horseback ride on to the top some calm morning; if you find a better site for a public parade ground, let us know where it is.
(PCA, 3/12/1864, p. 2)
The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Volume VIII, Number 37, Page 2. March 12, 1864.
