THE MAORI VILLAGE

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12507, 21 May 1906, Page 9

THE MAORI VILLAGE

(SPECIAL TO "TnK )>RKSS."> WELLINGTON, May 19

A number of carved pillars and other things tluit Mr Hamilton lias secured for the Maori village' at the New Zealand Internatioiuil Exhibition has arrived hero from Rotorua, and will bo shipped south as soon as they have been overhauled and some additions made to them. There is a cai-ved houso complete, and also a "pataka," or store hoiiNC. Tliese were made for the model Maori "pa ,, at Rotonia. and have been lent by the Tourist Department. There are also a number of carved posts amongst the consignment.. Tho tjml>er for fencing the "i>a" at the Exhibition will bo mostly Ixnach, and will come from the Oxford district. A largo quantity of raupo and manuka will bo required for tho houses, and this Mr Hamilton has arranged to get from Kaiapoi. He lias also secured from the Upper Waripjanui district three canoes and two cooking houses, built of fern treo stems seventy yeai-s ago. The tree ferns have bcon hewn into squared beams, and are black with nge. Even (he thatdi of thrso cookiiig-housas is being brought down. By tho end of tho month most of the material for the "pa" will be on tho ground, and Mr Hamilton hopes that a commencement will then be made- with its erection.

The Executive Commissioners of tho Exhibition for the State of Victoria have opened an office at 8-1 William stroct, Melbourne, in tho centre of the city where the business of the Exhibition relative to Victoria will be transacted in tho future, and where all information required by the public can be obtained.

During tho Premier's visit to Australia it is proposed to call, a meeting of the Australian Executive Ccimmiseioner.s for the purpo.se of discussing matters connected with the Exhibition, in which the Commonwealth is interested. One of the principal subjects under discussion will be tho means of transport of pass-eugers from Australia to Christchurch.

The allotment of srwvce is now proceeding, and the special comir.itteo eet up for tho purjxjso is meeting every day. It is anticipated that by the end of the coming week the applications will all bnvo l>eun allocated.

The tender of Messrs Jacolxsen and McDonald for tho supply of from 1500 to 2000 chairs for the purpose of providing seating accommodation in tho Concert Hall and the Art Gallery has been accepted.