N.Z. EXHIBITION

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1939, Page 12

N.Z. EXHIBITION

MAORI REPRESENTATION Adequate representation for the 1 Maori race at the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition has been arranged. The Maori Court, which is designed , as a carved meeting house covering an area of 2,500 feet, is the central point for Maori activities at the Exhibition, but the native race of New Zealand also gains representation in the statuary and in architectural panels. The first group of statuary seen on entering the grounds by the main entrance will be striking figures of Kupe, his wife Mana, and the Tohunga, without whom no Maori discoveri er would set forth on a long voyage. I Kupe stands with one hand grasping a spear, to his right his wife is in a kneeling position and to his left is the Tohunga. The three figures stand grouped, gazing towards a distant horizon. The weapons and ornaments carried and worn by the three are exact replicas modelled from Maori handicraft. Possible criticism of the group may be that the garments of the figures differ slightly from the dress of the Maori at the period of the white man’s discovery of New Zealand. However, it was certain that the dress of the Polynesian migrants from Hawaiki was not that of the more modern Maori. There is no precise knowledge or information of what were the fashions of 1,000 years ago. Standing at the head of the first reflecting pool, this grouping has an ideal setting. In the main entrance to the Government Court, the largest display building in tlie whole Exhibition, are a series of beautifully carved panels on loan to the Exhibition from the Rotorua School of Carving. This fine artistic example of Maori skill in carving is, in itself, a worthy representation for the artists of New Zealand’s native race. In many other sections of the buildings Maori motifs have been incorporated in architectural panels.

MEETING HOUSE. This building has been designed on traditional lines by an expert in Maori architecture and is illustrative of the highest form of Maori art and I mural decorations. Leading craftsI men of the present day executed the panels and each figure depicted in the carving represents a celebrated I hero in Maori tradition. Decorative , designs composed of reeds and col- ' oured native grasses make an harmonious combination to produce the artistic effect characteristic of the Maori. Representatives of various tribes will display and sell Maori works of art so that the public will have the opportunity of purchasing unusual souvenirs of authentic Maori craftsmanhsip, including carved and woven articles. Maori craftsmen will be at work in the Maori Court during the period of the Exhibition. Another feature of the Maori activities will be a series of entertainments presenting ancient and modern choral music and dancing. There will also be demonstrations of the ancient games and pastimes of the native people, and the ceremonial attached to their welcoming and farewelling of visitors.

The Maori Court has been designed and will be controlled with the view of presenting to the Pakeha an insight into the culture, custom and language of the race who occupied these shores to the advent of the European,