MODEL NATIVE PA AT WHAKAREWAREWA

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 September 1929, Page 8

MODEL NATIVE PA AT WHAKAREWAREWA

CHEAP HOMES FOR MAORIS. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Some details of the scheme for the creation of a model Maori village at Wliakarewhrewa wwo given in the House of Representatives to-day by the. Minister of Native Affairs (Sir A. Ngata). It was [minted out by the leader of the Opposition that Whakarewarcwa, in its present state, was not calculated to impress either New Zealanders or tourists as a fair sample of native life. The small sum on the estimates was not enough to make necessary improvements. Mr Coates said the natives had mot the Government in a very conciliatory spirit but the question of asking people to change their abode was always a u sticky M subject. Sir Apirana agreed that a start should be made in earnest in the work of improving Whakerewerewa. It was for Parliament to decide whether the State should make a direct grant. The sum of £2OO was placed on the estimates last year for the purpose of providing access to the area.. Mr. P. Fraser: It was the feeling of the House that Parliament should make a contribution.

Sir Apirami sail that if Parliament doc.idot! to do that, natives would no doubt take a .fair share of the burden, as the whole thing came down to a matter of housing. Plans had been prepared for a modern house, which would cost £BSO but that was too much and further plans had been prepared for a house to cost £360 but that wa,p