MAORI ARCHITECTURE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 11 June 1926, Page 8

MAORI ARCHITECTURE.

ART AND TOWN PLANNING SCHEME, GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGEMENT OFFERED. In accordance with the promise made by the Prime Ministerial his capacity as Minister of Native Affairs at the Maori hui at Tiki tiki in Feoruary last, that the Govermneut would assist- iu fostering .Maori art without hesitation ■or reservation, a commission is being set up to inquire into and report upon the necessity or advisability of establishing model villages on the sites of the present villages of Olijnemutu, and Whakarewarewa, at ‘Rotorua. Maori art as expressed in the fine carved house exhibited in the New Zealand section at Wembley, and in exhibits in museums in various parts of It lie world, has impressed many art connoisseurs in other countries, says the Wellington correspondent ot the New Zealand Herald. Tourists who have seen such exhibits have been heard to express disappointment in visiting the Dominion that practical Maori architecture, as exemplified in the large native villages in the North Island, falls short of what they had expected of it. in the course of his recent visit to the thermal districts, where the Maori population is thickest, Mr. Coates expressed disgust at the type of. buildings being erected by the Maoris in some of the most frequented tourist resorts, and particularly at Whakarewarewa where the erection of ugly tin sheds on native reserves does not serve to impress the visitor with the beauties of Maori art. The decision to set up a commission is largely the outsome of the remarks of the Hon. A. T. Ngata at the recent Maori hui, and of the Minister’s first-hand' knowledge of the need for encouraging the Maoris to make greater use- of their own characteristic architecture.

The best in Maori art lias already been admirably and perpetuated, in the decoration of the Native Affairs Committee room at the Parliament Buildings, and in the beautiful war memorial church at the native settlement at Tikitiki on the East Coast, and it is hoped to induce the natives to apply their own distinctive art similarly in the construction of their dwellings, and in tho planning of their villages. The commission Avill cohsist of Messrs 0. J. McKenzie (acting engin-eer-in-chief of the Public Works Department), R. B. Hammon (town, planning consultant of Auckland), J. T. Mair (Government architect), H. T. Mitchell (surveyor, Rotorua), and Dr. P, H. Buck (director of Maori hygiene). Mr. McKenzie is appointed chairman. to

The order of reference instructs the commissioners to inquire whether, on the sites of the present Maori settlements at Ohinemntu: and Whakarewarewa, it would he possible to adopt a scheme of town planning so as to establish thereon model Maori villages, which would combine- the distinctive characteristics of Maori art and architecture with the requirements of modem convenience, public health, and hygiene. The order of reference also asks:

(1) Whether the existing housing accommodation within the villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa. is sufficient, having regard to the present condition of the dwellings, their nature,- extent, and suitability, and also as regards their design and harmony with their situation and surroundings, and whether such buildings are inhabited by their owners or are occupied by tenants. (2) Whether the sanitary provisions now existing within the said villages are sufficient, and what improvements and extensions will he necessary: (a) if comprehensive rebuilding schemes are recommended; (h) if the alteration, renovation, or remodelling of the existing villages is recommended.

(3) Whether provision might be made in any scheme of town planning affecting the villages for laying off roads and streets, paths, right-of-ways, and for setting apart any portions of such villages exclusively for business sites, shops, and meeting-houses, consistent with the preservation and conservation of the scenic attractions and thermal activities, and for providing for all future buildings conforming to any schemes recommended, or which may be decided upon. (4) What type or types of houses are most likely to suit the requirements of the 'locality and the population of the villages, and whether a type of house might be designed suitable for standardisation- while preserving distinctive Maori characteristics.

(5) Whether there are any buildings or other structures, within the Wliakarewarewa reserve and village, or adjacent- thereto, and whether on Crown or native land, which would in the interest of improvement and development of any scheme which may be recommended, be demolished, removed, or structurally altered to conform to such scheme. The commission is further advised to inquire into and' report upon any other matters for increasing and improving the attractiveness of the said villages as places of scenic and historic interest, and for promoting the welfare of the inhabitants of such villages.

The report is required to be made before August 1.