DWELLINGS FOR MAORIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22524, 15 September 1936, Page 10

DWELLINGS FOR MAORIS

UNIFORM TYPE NEEDED APPROVAL OF MINISTER [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] ROTORUA, Monday A suggestion that steps should be taken to adopt a uniform type of Maori dwelling in the Maori villages at Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa was made by the Mayor ; Mr. T. Jackson, when a deputation from tho Rotorua Borough Council waited upon the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, to-day.

Mr Jackson pointed out that at present the provisions of the Town Planning Act could not bo applied either to Crown land or native land, and that therefore the hands of the council wore tied in devising a suitable townS tanning scheme for the borough of otoruu. He suggested that amendments should be made to the Act empowering the council to ensure that only suitable types of dwellings were erected in the two native villages included within the boundaries of the borough. The Minister said that he thoroughly approved of the idea. The Native Minister, Mr. Savage, and the Government, were particularly anxious to preserve the native atmosphere, and he would therefore assure the council that everything, possible would bo done to carry; out its suggestions. He considered that the natives themselves should design a suitable typo of Maori 'house, incorporating a Maori design, and that every effort should be used to remodel the villages on lines which would preserve the Maori crafts and culture. A promise was given by the Minister that as chairman of the Town Planning' Board ho would place the suggestions before the board on his return to Wellington, and have a report upon the matter, prepared and submitted to the Government. "