MAORI ART

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 April 1927, Page 9

MAORI ART

ENCOURAGING CRAFTSMEN PAST ARTISTIC GLORIES SPEECH BY MINISTER (From Our Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, To-day. The Il4>n. R. F. Bollard, Minister for Internal Affairs, is visiting Rotorua in connection with the sitting of the Arawa Trust Board, which deals with the preservation of Maori arts and crafts. When addressing the board to-day the Minister said: "It is a pleasure to me to have been able to meet the members of the board at its second meeting. Since we last met we have had the Royal visit to Rotorua. All those that were privileged to see the wonderful demonstration of loyalty to the King and the Duke and Duchess of York by the assembled Maoris and their artistry in entertainment had nothing but the warmest tributes to

pa3 r . T think with other keen lovers of the Maori that the hakas and poi dances performed on that memorable occasion should be perpetuated and encouraged as physical and recreational pastimes. I have to express the thanks of the Government to all the Maoris who participated in the receptions and entertainments and to the members of the Maori Reception Committee who conducted the different functions with such signal success. There was no doubt that the Duke and Duchess were greatly impressed with the reception and the expression of loyalty so enthusiastically displayed. “Now coming to the work to be undertaken by the board. It will be pleasing to members to observe the interest the press has taken in the movement and the favourable comments that have been made. I think we should make it clear that the board in its operations does not wish to antagonise private enterprise, but rather hopes to encourage it. We do not intend to use a plain New Zealand term to ‘cut out’ the local traders in Maori curios. * HELPING MAORI WORKERS “The commercial aspect of the venture is not primarily important to the board, but will not be neglected. The boat'd is out to help the Maori craftsman in every possible way and would assist him to find a market for artistic work. There is an undoubted demand for Maori art.

“Although the first school of instruction for craftsmen will be established in Rotorua the ambition of the board is to train instructors who will impart their knowledge throughout the Dominion. The director will, as opportunity offers, travel to outlying districts and arouse the interest of those who wish to learn. The board I am sure would feel partially satisfied if it simply pei'petuated the present knowledge of Maori art amongst the Maoris of to-day for another generation. But it hopes to do more than that by reviving the artistic glories of the past generation. “It will be of interest to members to know that the Government architect has decided tq incorporate Maori decorative designs and construction in the new band-stand to be erected in the Whakarewarewa Domain. The board will give every assistance in such enterprises. I hope suggestions will be offered as to the tightening-up ol’ the Maori Antiquities Act. Unfortunately, many genuine Maori antiquities are still being taken out ot New Zealand —intentionally or otherwise. The board is prepared to make reproductions and facsimiles to satisfy the denmnd of collectors. “Since our last meeting Dr. Buck has been offered and has accepted an important appointment in Honolulu. The work Dr. Buck is to undertake will, however, surely reflect credit on the Maori race, of which he is a distinguished member. Our A.mencan cousins are quick to appreciate the value of research work on the ongin and distribution of the native races of the Pacific. I am sure the board will extend to Dr. Buck its warmest congratulations and its keen sense ot the loss of his valuable services, advice and co-operation. Dr. Buck will leave behind him a splendid record of services which all those who take an interest in the Maori people greatly appreciate.”