MODEL MAORI PA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20983, 11 March 1938, Page 13

MODEL MAORI PA

To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald ” i Sir, —I have just returned from the south after having paid a visit to the Model Pa. Moeraki, North Otago. While there I was told that this model Pa was erected primarily as the principal part for the centenary celebrations of the district, but would now be kept Intact as a place of interest for tourists and as an example of Maori art and craftmanship. ' In my opinion the Pa fails in both these objects. As one who for the past 26 years has taken a very keen interest in all things Maori (particularly in the South Island), I solemnly and sincerely hope that the Arowhenua Model Maori Pa will be of a much better standard of art than the one at Moeraki. This letter is written in all honesty and sincerity so that the crude and far-from-Maori notions incorporated in the buildings at Moeraki will not be repeated at Temuka. The carvings at Moeraki, in particular, are laughable. I trust that those responsible for the Arowhenua project will bear these suggestions in mind and so erect something truly worthy of the race and truly reflecting the artistic - capabilities of the Maori people.—l am, etc., ONLOOKER. Temuka, March 9.