HISTORIC PUKEROA.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 215, 11 September 1929, Page 5

HISTORIC PUKEROA.

WHAT OF ITS FUTURE? RECEPTION GROUND AT ROTORUA. MAORI CRAFTS BOARD. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The preservation of Pukeroa Hill, Eotorua, and the protection of other places rich in historic associations, was a subject dealt with in a short speech by the Minister of Native Affairs in the House of Representatives this afternoon. Sir Apirana Ngata said there was nothing on this year's Estimates for the creation bf a Maori arts and crafts school, as it was felt that the financial position of the country should be allowed to improve before this matter was dealt with.

It was proposed to create a reception ground of 15 acres in the Sanatorium grounds at Rotorua, said Sir Apirana. This reception ground would be used for visitors. The Minister added that he was interested to know what would be the future of Pukeroa Hill, when the King George Hospital Lad been demolished and transferred as an institution to the Sanatorium. It was well known that this hill had been given to the people of New Zealand by the Arawa tribe, 30 or 40 years ago, and as a concession the natives of Ohinemutu had since received free treatment in the hospital. Sir Apirana 'hoped that in some future session the Government would be in a position to put a sum on the Estimates in respect to this area. Deploring the fact that in the past there had been instances when the Government had taken a high 'hand in acquiring certain native lands by compulsion, Sir Apirana eaid that round about Rotorua, as a result of the fact that the natives had been approached in the right spirit, many historic places had been handed over. It would, be found, generally, that if the Maoris were treated in that spirit, they would respond by handing over for preservation and protection, places of real historic interest.

The Hon. W. Downie Stewart (Dunedin West) urged the Government to take eteps towards the preservation of Maori burial grounds and other places of historic interest at Rotorua. Many were falling into a state of decay for lack of attention, and during a recent visit he had been unable to ascertain the body responsible for their maintenance.