MAORI MODEL VILLAGES. COMMISSION TO INQUIRE AND REPORT UPON THE NECESSITY OR ADVISABILITY OF ESTABLISHING MODEL VILLAGES ON THE SITES OF THE PRESENT VILLAGES OF OHINEMUTU AND WHAKAREWAREWA (REPORT OF).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1926 Session I, G-07

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1926. . NEW ZEALAND

MAORI MODEL VILLAGES. COMMISSION TO INQUIRE AND REPORT UPON THE NECESSITY OR ADVISABILITY OF ESTABLISHING MODEL VILLAGES ON THE SITES OF THE PRESENT VILLAGES OF OHINEMUTU AND WHAKAREWAREWA (REPORT OF).

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

COMMISSION TO INQUIRE AND REPORT UPON THE NECESSITY OR ADVISABILITY OF ESTABLISHING MODEL VILLAGES ON THE SITES OF THE PRESENT VILLAGES OF OHINEMUTU AND WHAKAREWAREWA. Charles Fergusson, Governor-General. By his Deputy, Charles Perrin Skerrett. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Charles John McKenzie, Esquire, of Wellington, Acting Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department; Reginald Bedford Hammond, Esquire, A.M.T.P.1., of Auckland, Town-planning Consultant; John Thomas Majr, Esquire, of Wellington, Government Architect; Dr. Peter Henry Buck, D.5.0., of Auckland, Director of Maori Hygiene; and Henry Taiporutu Mitchell, Esquire, of Rotorua, Licensed Surveyor: Greeting. Whereas it is expedient that inquiry should be made regarding the necessity or advisability of establishing model Maori villages at Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa, and the erection and construction of suitable dwelling-houses and other buildings embodying therein distinctive characteristics of Maori art and architecture, and in harmony with the scenic attractions of such localities and their inhabitants and the requirements of convenience, public health, and hygiene ; or, in the alternative, the alteration, renovation, or remodelling of the existing villages, and the buildings therein, along lines that would achieve the same object, and the preparation of a suitable scheme or schemes and plans for giving effect to any recommendations in respect thereto, and an estimate of the cost of carrying any such schemes into effect: Now, therefore, I, General Sir Charles Fergusson, Baronet, Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand, in pursuance and exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, and of all other powers and authorities enabling me in this behalf, and acting by and with the advice and

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consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby constitute and appoint you, the said Charles John McKenzie, Reginald Bedford Hammond, John Thomas Mair, Peter Henry Buck, and Henry Taiporutu Mitchell to be a Commission to inquire into and report upon the- following matters : — 1. Whether on the sites of the present Maori settlements or villages known as Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa it would be possible to adopt a scheme of townplanning so as to establish thereon model Maori villages which would combine the distinctive characteristics of Maori art and architecture with the requirements of modern convenience, public health, and hygiene. 2. What is the normal Maori population ordinarily resident in the villages .of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa : — (a.) The number of adult males ; (b.) The number of adult females ; (c.) The number of children ; (d.) The number of individual families comprising (a), (b), and (c) ; (e.) The probable increase or decrease of the permanent population if the housing conditions were altered, extended, or improved. 3. Whether the existing housing accommodation within the villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa is sufficient, having regard to the present condition of such 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 being Maoris. 4. Whether the sanitary provisions now existing within the said villages are sufficient, and what improvements and extensions will be necessary — (a.) If comprehensive rebuilding schemes are recommended ; (b.) If the alteration, renovation, or remodelling of the existing villages is recommended. 5. Whether provision might be made in any scheme of town-planning affecting the villages for laying off roads and streets, paths, or rights-of-way, 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 of the districts, and for providing for all future buildings conforming to any schemes recommended or which may be decided upon. 6. 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 standardization while preserving distinctive Maori characteristics. 7. Whether there are any buildings or other structures within the Whakarewarewa Reserve and Village, or adjacent thereto, and whether on Crown or Native land, which should, in the interests of the improvement and development of any scheme which may be recommended, be demolished, removed, or structurally altered to conform to such scheme. 8. And generally 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. And with the like advice and consent I do further appoint you, the said Charles John McKenzie to be the Chairman of the said Commission. And you are hereby authorized to conduct any inquiry under these presents at such times and places as you deem expedient, with power to adjourn from time to time and place to place as you think fit, and to call before you and

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to examine on oath or otherwise such persons as you think capable of affording you information as to the matters aforesaid, and to call for and examine all such documents as you deem likely to afford you the fullest information on any such matters. And, using all due diligence, you are required to report to me, under your hands and seals, not later than the first day of August, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-six, your opinion on the aforesaid matters. And you are hereby strictly charged and directed that-you shall not at any time publish or otherwise disclose, save to me in pursuance of these presents or by my direction, the contents or purport of any report so made or to be made by you. And it is hereby declared that this Commission shall continue in full force and virtue although the inquiry be not regularly continued from- time to time or from place to place by adjournment, and that you or any three of you shall and may from time to time proceed in execution thereof and of every power, matter, and thing herein contained. And, lastly it is hereby further declared that these presents are issued under and subject to the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. Given under the hand of His Excellency the Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand, and issued under the Seal of that Dominion, this twenty-eighth day of May, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-six. Wm. Downie Stewart, For Native Minister. Approved in Council. F. D. Thomson, Clerk of the Executive Council.

KEPOE T. To His Excellency General Sir Charles Fergusson, Baronet, Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand, — May it please Your Excellency,— We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency on the 28th day of May, 1926, to hold an inquiry and make a report upon the necessity or advisability of establishing Model villages on the sites of the present villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa, have the honour to report as follows : — The Commission met at 2 p.m. on the 24th day of June, in the Native Land Court Buildings, Rotorua, and immediately repaired to Ohinemutu, where an inspection of the village was made. On Friday, 25th June, a thorough inspection of Whakarewarewa Village was carried out, and photographs taken of different types of buildings. On Saturday, 26th June, the Chairman and Mr. Mitchell interviewed members of the Chamber of Commerce, Borough Councillors, and the Government -Tourist Agent, with a view to their giving evidence before the Commission. The other members of the Commission made a further inspection of Ohinemutu Village and had photographs taken of various buildings. The Commission commenced taking evidence at the Native Land Court, Rotorua, on Monday, 28th June, at 10 a.m., when Mr. Hill, Government Tourist Agent, Rotorua, and Mr. Nesbit, president of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, gave evidence. The Commission then visited Ohinemutu and met the Maoris of that village in the meeting-house ; but, as many of them had not grasped the extent and purport of the order of reference, they pleaded for time to consider, and it was eventually agreed that a committee be formed to draw up a statement of what they considered should be done towards the improvement of the village. The taking of evidence at the Courthouse was again resumed at 2 p.m., when

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Mr. Hill supplemented his statement given in the morning. Messrs. Clinkard (Mayor of the Borough of Rotorua), Steele (Borough Councillor), McLean (Town Clerk), and Bunyard (Borough Engineer) also gave evidence. The Commission, on Tuesday, 29th June, at 10 a.m., met the residents of Whakarewarewa in the meeting-house in that village, when the same difficulty arose as in Ohinemutu, in that the Natives pleaded for time to digest the order of reference, and again the suggestion to form a committee to formulate their opinions and submit a written statement was agreed to; some evidence was, however, given as to sanitation and housing conditions, and the Commission accordingly inspected some of the houses where overcrowding was apparent. The written statement from the Ohinemutu residents was handed to the Commission at 8.30 p.m. at Ohinemutu, and the Whakarewarewa statement was forwarded later. The Commission adjourned to meet at Wellington on the 6th July and following days, when the whole of the evidence was carefully considered and our report formulated. Historical. The region round Lake Rotorua was settled by the descendants of the Polynesian voyagers, who came from the Tahiti area, or Hawaiki, about the year 1350 a.d. Their voyaging canoe was "Te Arawa," under the command of Tama-te-kapua, and with Ngatoroirangi as navigating officer. The canoe was beached at Maketu, in the Bay of Plenty. From Maketu the immigrants spread in various directions. The first settlers in the Rotorua district are said to be Jka, one of the crew of " Te Arawa," and his son Maru-punga-nui, who lived at Okapua. Ihenga,' a grandson of Tama-te-kapua, after sojourning in the Cape Colville district, returned to Maketu after the death of his grandfather. Ihenga went exploring, and came upon Lake Rotoiti. He returned to Maketu, organized a party, and came on past Rotoiti to Lake Rotorua. Here he built apa at Whakarongopatete. He subsequently came across the first settlers, now under the leadership of Tua-Rotorua, son of Maru-punga-nui, whose altar-place was at Utuhina, the stream that forms one of the boundaries of the present settlement of Ohinemutu. The first settlers were dispossessed of this country by Ihenga. Lake Rotorua is alluded to in song and story as Te Roto-kite-a-Ihenga (the lake discovered by Ihenga). From Ihenga's time to the present Ohinemutu has been in permanent occupation. The lake teemed with rich food-supplies. The inanga (Retropinna retropinna), kokopu (Galaxias brevipinnis), toitoi (Gobiomorphus gobioides), and Koura (Paranephrops Novae Zealandiae) were netted and trapped in large quantities in their due seasons. The fresh-water mussel, kakahi (Unio), was also dredged up in large quantities to add variety to the diet. The fertile island of Mokoia produced the kumara (Ipomoea batatas) in abundance. The boiling springs provided a unique labour-saving device in their cooking-operations, and the warm baths made cleanliness available to all. There was no spot in New Zealand where Nature was more bounteous of her gifts to a Stone-Age people than in the thermal district of Rotorua. The Village of Ohinemutu is occupied by the Ngati-Whakaue Tribe of the Arawa confederation. Whakarewarewa is occupied by the Tuhourangi Tribe of the same confederation. The main villages of Tuhourangi were at Wairoa, near Lake Tarawera, and on the island of Motu-tawa, in the Green Lake (Roto-kakahi). After the Tarawera eruption in 1886 the people of these villages came into Whakarewarewa, which then assumed a permanent character. In 1880 Judge Fenton, acting on behalf of the New Zealand Government, asked that a township be established at Rotorua, so that travellers visiting the hot springs and other wonders might be suitably housed and entertained. This was agreed to by the Maoris, and about 3,000 acres were given, surveyed, and divided into sections for the purpose. The Government undertook to be the agent of the Maoris in leasing and collecting the rents. The Maoris were so anxious to assist that they made free gifts of a large number of reserves, including the Pukeroa Reserve, the Sanatorium grounds, the Kuirau Reserve, the Arikikapakapa Reserve, and sites for public buildings for both races for ever. They

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also made provision for educational endowments for both races, the accumulated funds from which now amount to about £10,000. These negotiations were confirmed by Parliament in the Thermal Springs Districts Act, 1881, and the amending Act of 1883. From the evidence given by Mita Taupopoki, Henare Mete Amohau, and others, the early European administration of the Town of Rotorua does not seem to have affected the Maori villages to any appreciable extent. The Natives were complimented on the picturesque appearance of their thatched houses and advised not to depart from them. Sanitation does not seem to have been regarded as a problem worthy of attention in those days. In 1900 the Maori Councils Act was passed, and the villages at Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa came under the jurisdiction of the Arawa Maori Council. The Council gazetted by-laws dealing with health and sanitation. These were administered by Komiti Maraes, or Village Committees, which represented the Council. An attempt was made to improve the housing conditions. The rush houses, poorly ventilated and with earthen floors, were condemned as unhealthy. Picturesqueness ceased to be the only standard by which dwellings were judged. The Village Committees had full power to enforce their model by-laws, but before they could accomplish much a change of authority occurred. The change was due to the Tourist Department assuming control in Rotorua. The Maoris of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa were induced to withdraw from the Arawa Maori Council and come under the direct control of the Tourist Department. The Maoris, hoping to obtain better financial assistance in the improvement of the general conditions and sanitation of their villages, consented. The Villages of Ohinemutu, Whakarewarewa, and Tarawera were withdrawn from the operation of the by-laws of the Arawa Maori Council. Under the Tourist Department the Maori Council system of governing by Village Committees was adhered to, and even the by-laws of the Maori Council were adopted. A caretaker was appointed for each village, to assist the Village Committee in carrying out the by-laws. In addition, roads were made, and electric light and water were laid on from the town supply. The regular removal of rubbish was instituted. For Ohinemutu the pan system, with regular removal, took the place of earth-closets with burial. At Whakarewarewa the pan system was not instituted owing to the impossibility of access for removal. A proper sewerage system offered such difficulties from the nature of the ground that the solution of the problem was postponed from time to time and nothing was done. Tn 1922 the Rotorua Borough Council Act was passed, and in 1923 the Rotorua Borough Council took over the administration of the two villages. The maintenance of the existing roads has been well kept up. As regards sanitation . no alteration has been made, nor have any improvements taken place. At Ohinemutu the low-lying nature of the ground has prevented a sewerage system being linked up with the town system. At Whakarewarewa the difficulties of providing a pan system or a comprehensive sewerage system have not been surmounted. As regards health regulations, the Borough Council attempted to work on the original Maori Council by-laws, but, as they had not been regularly adopted, the Council is now considering the drafting of its own by-laws to meet the present need of the two villages. The Village Committees, with a caretaker for each village, have been maintained as formerly. Descriptive. The villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa lie to the north and south respectively of the Town of Rotorua, and are included in the borough area. The Maori population at the latest census is given as—Ohinemutu 146, and Whakarewarewa 201 ; in Ohinemutu there are also many Europeans, whereas in Whakarewarewa all are Maoris with the exception of two or three Indians. The roads throughout both villages are narrow, some being mere foot-tracks, and many of the sections are small and inconvenient in shape. This in villages of this type is not such a serious matter if suitable buildings properly located had been built, but unfortunately many of the buildings are totally unsuitable and accentuate the impression of overcrowding.

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A water-supply has been installed in both villages, but no sewerage system exists ; it is admittedly a difficult matter to install up-to-date systems, owing to the nature of the ground and the thermal activity, and successive controlling authorities have been unable to find a solution. At Ohinemutu the disposal of nightsoil has been carried out on the dry-pan system, but at Wliakarewarewa there is no system at all beyond the provision, in some cases, of earth-closets. Some time ago a communal closet was built on the opposite side of the river, but it does not appear to have been successful, owing to its distance from the village. The dry-pan system would be difficult in Whakarewarewa owing to the distance that the nightsoil would have to be carried from the dwellings to the collecting-vehicle, which would have to stand on the Rorotua side of the bridge, as the ground in the village is unsafe for the passage of heavy vehicles. At both villages a regular bi-weekly collection of refuse is in operation, but it is not altogether effective, as deposits of rubbish were frequently noted, and this although there is a caretaker in charge. Apparently the powers of the Borough Council are insufficient to insist upon a strict observance of the laws of cleanliness. Electricity is available in both villages, and many of the buildings are lighted, and street-lamps occur at intervals. Owing to the peculiar scenic attractions of this district these villages are visited annually by thousands of visitors from all parts of the world, and the fact that they are the homes of portion of the Native race gives them an added attraction. Apart from the health of the inhabitants, which is of prime importance, it should be a matter of concern to the people of New Zealand, both European and Maori, that the appearance of these villages should be such that the visitor leaves the country with a good impression of the villages and their inhabitants ; whereas we fear that the reverse must often be the case when one views the unsightly structures, more particularly at the approaches to both Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu. Hygiene and Sanitation. This we consider is a matter of extreme importance, and should receive immediate attention. As hereinbefore mentioned, a dry-pan system for nightsoil is carried out by the Borough Council in Ohinemutu, but in Whakarewarewa the conditions are so bad that some remedy should be applied as early as possible. There is sufficient fall from Whakarewarewa to the lake to allow of a gravity flushing system, but owing to the treacherous nature of the ground it is doubtful whether such a system would be reliable. Suggestions were offered by some witnesses that small group systems with separate septic tanks could be arranged (in 1908 the Engineer in Charge, Tourist Department, recommended such a scheme), and we think this method might be practicable ; but it is almost impossible to lay out such a scheme, or give an approximate estimate of the cost, without a detail survey of the locality, showing all buildings and structures and the position of the steam-holes and bad ground. We would therefore recommend that such a survey be made at once, and at the same time a survey of Ohinemutu on similar lines be made to ascertain the cost -of such schemes. With regard to the refuse, we would recommend more stringent supervision and frequent inspection by borough officials in company with the Village Committee in each village. The sight of rubbish of all sorts dumped in holes and round the rims of mud-holes and pools certainly detracts from the attractiveness of the village, and at the same time is a menace to the health of the residents. The refuse-tins provided at Whakarewarewa seemed to be too small, but the size was evidently governed by the fact of the collector having to carry such long distances to the refuse-cart. To overcome this difficulty we would suggest that a light carrier 011 wheels be provided on which the cans be placed. We understand the borough by-laws are being recast, and we would suggest that the Council in framing them should make provision for penalties for the non-observance of them in regard to refuse-disposal.

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Town-planning and Housing. The Commission is of the opinion that it is desirable and possible to remodel the Maori villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa on town-planning lines, preserving at the same time the scenic attractions and thermal activities thereof. We consider, however, that it is not necessary to replan the whole of the existing villages, but that they should be subject to minor remodelling on the lines suggested below. We would further recommend that the portion of Whakarewarewa at present unoccupied be laid out on town-planning lines as a part of the general scheme. With regard to the settled portions of the villages, we consider that the existing roading, which conforms to the peculiar physical character of the sites, must be largely adhered to in any improvement scheme, but that the formation of small cul-de-sacs or grass plots will afford abundant opportunity for the regrouping of houses and improving the general amenities. The approaches to the villages could be much improved, and the existing roadways improved by lying down grass margins and planting thereon suitable native trees and shrubs ; and it is also desirable that such trees should be planted wherever possible throughout the area. We would recommend that dangerous pools, &c., be enclosed by boulders or fences designed in harmony with the general surroundings. We would also recommend that a small area be set aside in each village as a playground for quite small children. We further recommend that a playing-field of approximately 5 acres be set aside on Crown land adjacent to the Post-office at Whakarewarewa. While we realize that many of the buildings, by reason of their association and appropriate design, should not be interfered with, we consider that in both villages there are numerous buildings which should be demolished on account of their dilapidated condition, and a further number, without any suggestion of Maori art or character, that it would be desirable to remove or remodel. As a proportion of the population of Ohinemutu is European, we are of the opinion that buildings possessing Native characteristics should only be mandatory in that portion of the village at present inhabited chiefly by Maoris. There are, however, certain buildings in the portion of the village inhabited by Europeans which it is desirable to improve both in appearance and sanitary conditions. With reference to the type of buildings to be erected, we consider that suitable houses can be designed in conformity with the essentials of Maori art and architecture. We do not, however, think that any one standard plan would meet the varied needs of the inhabitants, but that houses of different sizes will be necessary, and that the nature of the site must in many cases determine the plan. We would suggest that the Government have plans and specifications of typical suitable buildings prepared, and supply them to prospective builders. To provide the characteristics of ancient Maori houses will necessitate methods of construction differing from the usual standard practice, and special preparation and treatment of materials. We are therefore of the opinion that such buildings will be more expensive for the accommodation provided than the usual European type, and would suggest that the Government should contribute towards the extra cost. The chemically-laden atmosphere of these villages is particularly destructive to materials, especially metals and paint, and we are of the opinion that in order to insure permanency of the structures the Government or Borough Council should assume responsibility for periodically surface-treating the roofs and external walls, rather than leave such maintenance to the discretion of the owners. The Maori population in the villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa is given in the latest census as follows : — Ohinemutu. Whakarewarewa. Adult males .. . . . . 48 45 Adult females . . ..... 45 65 Male children under sixteen years of age 31 44 Female children under sixteen years of age. . 22 47 Totals .. .. . . 146 201 Number of individual families .. .30 44

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It is unfortunate that no figures are available in the 1921 census of the number of Maoris in these villages ; as, however, the total Native population shows a definite increase, we must assume that there has been an increase in these localities. It is difficult to estimate the probable increase of population, but we feel sure that with better conditions as regards housing and sanitation there will be an increase. Moreover, in the case of Whakarewarewa, an interesting fact as disclosed by the census figures is that the number of females exceeds that of the males in the proportion of 112 to 89, which, according to scientific data when such is the case, indicates that the rate of increase of population will be raised. In both villages there are instances of overcrowding, and at Whakarewarewa evidence was given concerning this. In one building, 20 ft. by 22 ft., of four rooms, inspected by the Commission, fourteen persons were Jiving. This family consisted of five married couples and four children. In another, nine persons were found in a three-roomed cottage ; and in yet another ten persons were living in two rooms. This is a state of affairs that should be remedied at the earliest possible moment. At Whakarewarewa the position can be to some extent alleviated by assisting these people to build new homes, and also by constructing an access road to the ground at the back of the village. Several of the residents expressed their readiness to rebuild on this area if access were provided. The cost of forming such a road would be £200. The buildings are occupied by their owners with but few exceptions, notable ones being at the approach to Whakarewarewa, where two shops are inhabited by natives of India. Many of the Maoris feel strongly about this, and expressed the opinion that the village should be reserved for Maoris. This sentiment was also voiced by the president of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, and the Commission is heartily in accord with these views. The Commission feels that Whakarewarewa and the Native portion of Ohinemutu should be of a purely residential character, and that only dwellings, meetings-houses, and shops for the sale of Maori curios should be allowed. This matter coidd be controlled when a town-planning scheme is submitted. Many of the buildings are of an unsuitable type and in a dilapidated condition. The Maoris in Ohinemutu estimate that at least twenty buildings, and the Whakarewarewa Natives that forty-five, should be demolished. Many of the fences are of timber in a decayed and unsightly condition, and we think that these should gradually be replaced by low rough stone walls, which would present a much more attractive appearance. There are other structures, such as outhouses and shelters round private bathing-pools, which could with advantage be removed or improved. We would like to call attention to the building used as a tea-room in the Government reserve at Whakarewarewa, overlooking the geysers ; this structure is not the type that one would expect in such a locality. If a tea-room were considered necessary it should at least have harmonized with the surroundings and been placed in a less conspicuous position. The photograph marked " Exhibit C " will illustrate its unsuitability. The Tourist Department allowed the owner to erect this building to his own plan, and charges him £l per annum rental. To terminate the lease, which has several years to run, would mean the payment of compensation ; but, notwithstanding this, we think that the building should be removed from its present position. Improving the Attractiveness of the Villages. The Commission is of opinion that the attractiveness of the villages would be materially enhanced by constructing new or altering old houses so as to maintain, as far as possible, one of the outstanding features of Maori architecture —namely, the front elevation with its distinctive maihi, or barge-boards. If, in addition, some suitable roofing-material more nearly approaching the colour and appearance of thatch could be devised to take the place of unsightly corrugated iron, the general appearance of a Maori village would be restored to a great extent.

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In addition to the above two main items, various features of a purely ornamental character should be introduced into the villages to assist in restoring the old-time Maori atmosphere. At Whakarewarewa the entrance to the village should be entirely remodelled on the lines of a pre-European village. A carved gateway, or ivaharoa, should be erected on the town side of the bridge, with flanking lines of typical Maori defensive palisading with carved posts at appropriate intervals. Storehouses, carved or otherwise, set on piles should be erected on approved sites. The painted canoe monument, or tiki, the small sacred storehouse set on a single tall support, and other features of this type could be introduced with great effect. In the Maori portion of Whakarewarewa Reserve some typical old-type Maori houses with thatched walls and roofs could be built to attract visitors and students interested in the study of Maori life. On occasions the art and crafts of weaving, plaiting, cooking, &c., could be demonstrated in its proper setting. A school of Maori art, where particular attention is paid to carving, should be encouraged, and, if established, should be located in one of the villages, where it would form a unique feature of attraction. The model Maori pa in the Government Reserve at Whakarewarewa, whilst of great interest, contains several anomalies. The high watch-tower is stayed in position with wire ; the thatched roofs of some of the houses are also kept on with wire. European material is in evidence in other ways, so that the purely Maori character of the village is not maintained. Repairs are needed. Unless the pa is completely renovated and kept in constant repair, the characteristic features of the pa would be shown to better advantage by incorporating them in an improvement scheme for the Village of Whakarewarewa on the general lines indicated above. It would add to the restoration of typical Maori conditions if the guides at Whakarewarewa wore Maori costume whilst on duty. Guides are at present licensed by the Tourist Department. We recommend that the licenses be issued subject to the above being carried out in a suitable manner. Summary of Recommendations. We recommend the following:— (1.) A more rigid and frequent inspection of villages should be made in the interests of health. (2.) A detail survey be put in hand of the two villages, with a view to designing sewerage schemes and ascertaining the number of buildings to be removed or modified. (3.) A survey and layout be made of the area of the land at the rear of Whakarewarewa Village, to permit of buildings being erected to relieve the congestion in the present village, and that the immediate construction of the access road be put in hand. (4.) The preparation of plans of the areas remodelled on town-planning lines. (5.) That typical plans of dwellings be prepared. (6.) The removal of the present tea-rooms on the Government Reserve, Whakarewarewa. (7.) Planting of native trees and shrubs. (8.) The demolition of certain buildings on the Marine Parade at Ohinemutu, and the conversion of portion of this space into a parkingplace for cars. (9.) The construction of a road along the waterfront at Ohinemutu from the Marine Parade to the reserve at the back of the church, and the beautification of said reserve by tree-planting. (10.) The improvement of the entrance to Whakarewarewa by removal of the present unsightly buildings, and the provision of suitable entrance gates. We realize that all of the above proposals are impossible of immediate fulfilment, but would suggest that the first four be dealt with at once ; Nos. 5, 8, and 10

2 —Gr. 7.

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should also be attended to early, and negotiations should be put in hand to ascertain the ownership and assess the amount of compensation to be paid, also the necessity of providing new quarters for the residents, and the nature thereof. The various surveys, with plans and estimates, also plans of typical dwellings, could be undertaken by the Public Works Department. These recommendations, if carried out, will necessarily involve a considerable expenditure, and we would like to offer some suggestions. The access road at Whakarewarewa, estimated to cost £200, we think should be treated as a national as well as a local matter, and funds be provided on the estimates to construct it, with some assistance from the Rotorua Borough and the Arawa District Trust Board. In connection with the town-planning of the back uninhabited area at Whakarewarewa, considerable rearrangement of the present sections will be necessary, and negotiations will have to be entered into with the owners ; but we do not anticipate much difficulty with this, as the area at present is inaccessible, and some of the owners expressed their willingness to fall in with any scheme for improving and opening-up this land. The demolition and improvement of buildings is a much bigger matter, and will run into several thousand pounds ; but this expenditure can be spread over a period of years. The individual Natives could not be expected to immediately find much towards this, and they suggest that the Government lend them money to rebuild on long-term loans, the repayment to be spread over a period of thirty to thirty-six years, and the loans to be free of interest. Another method would be for the Government to subsidize on buildings which replace those condemned by a competent authority, say, the Government Architect. Conclusion. In conclusion, we would like to stress the necessity for improving these villages. That the Natives are anxious for something to be done is evidenced by the fact that in September, 1924, the Arawa Trust Board proffered a request (copy attached) to the Borough Council that certain improvements be made ; many of which are included in our recommendations. The statements submitted by both villages which are attached hereto as evidence also indicate the desire of the Natives for reforms. The Government, the Rotorua Borough Council, and the Arawa Trust Board are all interested—the Government from a health and tourist viewpoint, the Arawa Trust Board as representative of the Natives, and the Borough Council as controlling authority, and also from the fact that the peculiar attractions of the district are a source of considerable revenue to the town. A copy of the evidence and the two written statements from the villages are attached hereto, also the following exhibits : — Exhibit A—Plan of Block I, Tarawera Survey District. Exhibit B —Plan of Village of Whakarewarewa. Exhibit B —Plan of Village of Ohinemutu. Exhibit C —Photograph of tea-room, Whakarewarewa. Exhibit D—Photograph of building types in Whakarewarewa. Exhibit E—Photograph of model Maori pa, Whakarewarewa. Exhibit F—Photograph of buildings (four) in Ohinemutu. Exhibit G—Photograph of buildings at approach to Whakarewarewa. We have the honour to be, Your Excellency's Obedient Servants, C. J. McKenzie, Chairman. John T. Mair, "1 Reginald B. Hammond, Peter Henry Buck, H. Tai. Mitchell, J Wellington, 19th July, 1926.

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MINUTES OF EVIDENCE. Thursday, 24th June, 1926. Minutes of a sitting of the Commission appointed to inquire into and report upon the necessity 01 advisability of establishing Model villages in the sites of the present villages at Ohinemutu anil Whakarewarewa. Present: Commissioners Charles John McKenzie, Esq., Acting Engineer-in-Chief of the PublicWorks Department, Wellington (Chairman) ; Reginald Bedford Hammond, Esq., A.M.T.P.1., Townplanning Consultant, Auckland ; John Thomas Mair, Esq., Government Architect, Wellington ; Peter Henry Buck, Esq., D.5.0., Director of Maori Hygiene, Auckland ; Henry Taiporutu Mitchell, Esq., Licensed Surveyor, Rotorua. Inquiry opened in the Native Land Court Buildings, Thursday, 24th June, 1926, at 2 p.m. The Commission adjourned for the inspection of the Ohinemutu Village. Friday, 25th June, 1926. The Commission was engaged in a thorough inspection of the Whakarewarewa Village, where photographs were taken of the different groups of houses, to show the different types of buildings. Saturday, 26th June, 1926. The Chairman ami Mr. Mitchell interviewed members of Chamber of Commerce, the Borough Council, and also the Government Tourist Agent, with a view to their giving evidence before the Commission on Monday, 28th. The other members of the Commission made a further inspection of the Ohinemutu Village, and also had photographs taken of styles of buildings in that village. Monday, 28th June, 1926. At the Native Land Court House, 10 a.m. Present: The same. Order of reference read. William Hill, Government Tourist Agent, Rotorua, examined. The Chairman.] You have heard the reference read ? —With regard to the points which have been put forward by the Minister, I have seen, of course, the very great need for something being done in the matter of improvements of the general appearance of the Native villages of Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu. The question is an extremely interesting one, but I imagine quite difficult of solution. We have to deal with Native interests, and the irregular manner in which the villages are surveyed into residential lots. You may also have to contend with a reluctance on the part of the Native owners to the making of any changes. I think that the only practicable course open to the Commission is to concentrate on many of the dwellings, or those of the dwellings which are obviously in an advanced stage of decay. Would you suggest remodelling the whole village ?—I do not think that I have any practicable suggestion to offer in regard to the remodelling of the whole village. There are, of course, two alternatives : the one to deal with the villages as they stand ; the other is to demolish the present villages and create new Maori villages on new land. That is, away from the present site ? —Yes. Your Department has been in charge of the village since 1907 to 1922 ?—Since 1907 to 1922. 1922 was the year in which the Rotorua Borough Act was passed, and control then passed into their hands. And they have administered these villages since then ?—Yes. Regarding the sanitation and disposal of rubbish, what regulations or by-laws did you have during that period ?—The two villages were subject as far as possible to the borough by-laws, and to cope with the difficulty of getting the rubbish-cart to go out there we established a communal rubbishbox for the village, and the people had to carry the rubbish to the box. We also had a caretaker for each village, whose duty it was to attend to general cleanliness. The people were expected to put the rubbish in the box ?—Yes. Were all the plans for new buildings submitted to your Department for approval ?—The plans of all buildings had to be submitted to me. We had difficulty in supervision as regards the villages, for three reasons : the one was that we had no power in any way to determine the style of building which might be erected; the second reason was that very often the particular allotment was of such an odd shape that anything like alignment was forbidden; and the third one was financial. . I have files with regard to Whakarewarewa generally : I will put them at your disposal. I noticed, just from a casual glance over the files this morning, a letter written in 1909, which deals with roads

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rf ,arding both villages. [Letter read : copy attached.] The ownership of the sections in the pas ii ra + her complicated. In a very small holding I have in mind, about probably one-third the area of tai 1 - coom, I am told there are about thirty owners. I would suggest it would be very difficult, Mr. Hill, for you to keep track of the number of people J each house ?—We do not concern ourselves with that matter. With regard to the type of building, you think that any new buildings put up should retain the Maori characteristics ?—Certainly ; if there are any new buildings from now on, I would suggest that they should be given Maori characteristics. I have felt very much the loss of a sketch of a typical Maori village. I have tried on several occasions to get some such plan, but did not succeed. Dr. Buck.] With regard to sanitation: who is responsible for the caretaker ?—ln my day the caretaker was responsible to the Committee Marae. The Committee was given the power by the Maori Council with regard to the Maori villages of Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu. I appointed the 'aretaker and placed him in the charge of the Committee Marae. He attended to the collection and disposal of refuse in the pa. Did the Tourist Department consider any other scheme of sanitation ?—Of course, more or less —only as regards the system of incinerators and the dry-pan system. Do you think a sewerage system is practicable at Whakarewarewa ?—We went thoroughly into the matter, and it was considered absolutely impracticable to carry on a comprehensive scheme of sewerage owing to the dangerous nature of the ground. At Whakarewarewa we established a septic tank near Paul's carving-shop across the bridge, the effluent from which was led into a boiling pool. In addition to that, at Ohinemutu the Natives helped financially and we put up an incinerator, which disposed of quite a large proportion of the rubbish. With regard to Whakarewarewa and the question of installing a sewerage system, you inform the Commission that you went thoroughly into the matter and that your conclusion was that it was impracticable ? —Yes ; the matter was frequently considered. With regard to Ohinemutu, the land lies too low to enable it to be connected up with the town sewerage system. And in place of that you had a dry-pan system ?—Yes. I will now hand over these three files, dealing with the villages of Whakarewarewa, Ohinemutu, and Tarewa, when controlled by the Tourist Department. There may be information contained therein of use to the Commission. R. B. Nesbitt, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotorua, examined. The Chairman.] I expect your Chamber has some views on the matter of the improvement of these villages ?—I agree a great deal with what Mr. Hill has said. His past experience makes his views more valuable than ours. Our opinion is that it would be very desirable from the tourist's standpoint if characteristic villages were erected. I have frequently come in contact with the visitors, and that has been their regret. The idea evidently on the part of the Native population is that they are raising their standard by keeping to the European style of architecture. I certainly think that the European style has many advantages from their standpoint. We think that it would be possible to combine the Native characteristics with the European conveniences inside. I certainly think that the Native characteristics should be retained as far as possible. To introduce a sewerage system is almost impossible at Ohinemutu, owing to the low-lying nature of the ground, but I believe that the other end of the town could be drained on account of the elevation. The Whakarewarewa end ?—Yes, Whakarewarewa. Mr. Hill also spoke of the want of alignment. My own opinion is that it would be possible if there were more land available. It has been an eyesore to many tourists to find the shops near Paul Thomas's conducted by Hindus. It is characteristic of all Hindu shops wherever you go. They are not a desirable character to introduce the tourist to. In Fiji the scenery is characteristic of the people, and the villages are quite sanitary although they have no sanitary conveniences like we speak of. We want scenery characteristic of the Maori people. Trees such as pungas, rimu, &c., which are characteristic of New Zealand, should be planted. Any new buildings erected should be airy. I have just briefly touched upon the points which appeal to us as a business population. There is really no chance of making streets unless some of the buildings are demolished. What would you suggest doing with those shops you spoke about by the bridge at Whakarewarewa ?—They should be removed. They are a source of trouble. You really do not want shops there. They would be better opposite the Geyser Hotel. You suggest no shops in the village at all ? —No. I do not think that it adds to the attractiveness in any way. Would you suggest finding a new site ?—Yes, owing to the crowded condition and the winding nature of the road. I think the present village should be re-established at the Model Pa, where there is plenty of room for expansion. Mr. Hammond.] That is Crown land :it is not in the area of the Maori village ? —lt might be possible to obtain it for a site. You have never thought of the area behind the Spout Baths ?—I think that part is very dangerous. Well, upon the slopes of the hill ? —That is mostly the property of the Forestry Department. But there is Native-owned land there, clear of the State Forest's property ?—I was not aware of that. What trees do you suggest would be suitable for planting ?—The punga, and rimu, and other trees that thrive well here. There are many native trees that could be planted which are very beautiful and are also characteristic of New Zealand. Mr. Goudie could give you quite a good list. Mr. Mair.] You referred to the presence of the Hindu. Would you go so far as to say that none but Maoris should carry on business in this village ?—Yes. All the Maori characteristics should be

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retained as far as possible. The Hindu is not a desirable business man or resident in any way. The average coolie coming from parts of India is. not a desirable business man, and certainly out of place in a Maori village. It would be desirable that businesses of that kind be removed. Dr. Buck.] Would you confine all business premises to the town side of the bridge, and have no shops in the village itself ?—Yes. Would you make an exception to a Maori owner carrying on business in carving and Maori plaiting and weaving ?—Certainly they should be allowed, as they would deal with Maori arts and crafts, and thus maintain the characteristics desired to be encouraged. With regard to the shifting of the village : do you think the site this side of the Post-office is desirable ? —lt, is a little bit distant for the buses leaving to take the passengers back. I mention the Model Pa as being a suitable site because it is visited by tourists. The part behind the Post-office is very desirable, but out of the way of visitors. It seems to me that you cannot remodel the village unless you have a good view of the characteristics of Maori art, and undertake to keep conflicting elements out of the scheme. If it were possible to remodel the pa, get rid of Indian shops, put in some of the characteristics of Maori architecture, and plant trees, would the Village of Whakarewarewa be an asset from a business point of view ? —Yes. The Borough Council being unable to attend at this time, the Commission adjourned to Ohinemutu. Tama-te-Kapua, Ohinemutu, 11.30 a.m. Present: The same. A representative gathering of the Ngati-Whakaue Tribe attended. The Chairman opened the sitting by having the order of reference read in the Maori language. The Chairman: The Commission is here to see what improvements are necessary, and to make recommendations for these improvements, and also to see what is necessary for the future extension of these villages. We have two representatives of your own race on this CommissionMr. H. T. Mitchell and Dr. Buck—who will give us valuable assistance, but we want to hear from yourselves what you consider necessary for the improvement of this settlement. We would now like to hear from your representative. Kiwi Amohau : I regret that Ngati-Whakaue have not had the opportunity of welcoming you according to the ancient custom of this tribe, and extending to you hospitality in keeping witli your exalted position as a Eoyal Commission specially set up to consider the material well-being of the Maori inhabitants of this village, and of our neighbours at Whakarewarewa. However, I now extend to you and your colleagues a hearty welcome to Ohinemutu. I will now speak about our villages. In my opinion we can have nothing to say at present. You have been appointed to view these villages and to suggest improvements. Until your report is available we are not in the position to say what we can do and what we cannot do. In your deliberations it is our earnest hope that you will be merciful to us, the Ngati-Whakaue people of this village. When your report is submitted to the Government, I hope the laws that may be enacted therefrom will be such as will be in our power to carry into effect. Though personally I have no more to say, perhaps the younger generation may have suggestions to offer. Wi Kingi Atetini: lam very pleased that "the Government has appointed such a Commission to carry out the renovating of these villages. I know since you have been here to Ohinemutu you have inspected the village, and I know you will make a report to the Government that will be a benefit to the inhabitants. We are also pleased to see associated with you two members of our race. We feel confident that in Mr. Mitchell we have a good advocate who will look after the interests of Ohinemutu people, because he is a local resident and knows everything about the tribe. We are also pleased to see Dr. Buck on the Commission. knows the need for sanitation, because of the fact that he is a Director of Maori Hygiene. I think it is well that we should make some suggestions to you so that it may help you in framing your report. The Chairman: We are very pleased at that opportunity. Wi Kingi Atetini : We know perfectly well what is needed here as to the houses, roads, fences enclosing the pa. The dilapidated houses, &c., should be demolished and removed, and we are pleased that you are here to improve the conditions of the pa and to abolish the atrocities. In Ohinemutu there are some good houses and some very bad ones ; therefore those houses should be improved so that it would be a credit to the pa and to New Zealand ; and if the houses are improved it is also right that a roading system should be carried out. Another thing is sanitation. Sanitation is bad here. What we desire is a sewerage system installed. Therefore we would ask the Commission to make an effort to see what could be done in this respect. I would like the Commission to view the lakefront, commencing from the Marine Parade to the pa. I would suggest that a road be formed along the lake-front so that it would keep the lake-front clean. The road should run along the lake-front so that no vehicle would pass into the pa. The lake-front road must therefore connect with the other road. I would suggest that motors should not come into this marae, or courtyard, before the house in which we are meeting. At the time of our ancestors it was tapu, and we desire that it should be kept so. The Chairman: Do cars come right here at present ? Wi Kingi Atetini: Yes, there is one out there now. What we want is the old houses demolished and new ones built. We all agree with the object of the Commission, but particularly as regards the houses. Perhaps the Government will give us money to build houses. If the Commission would enlighten us on this point we would be very pleased.

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The Chairman: The Commission cannot suggest this. All we have to do is to report to the Government, and make certain recommendations. Wi Kingi Atetini: We suggest that in place of the old houses be erected, and the repayment of the money advanced to build these houses be extended over a long term no interest to be charged. I hope that the Commission will appoint some members of the Arawa Trust Board as a link between the Government and the Maoris, to carry this scheme into effect. Mr. Mitchell: Mr. Chairman, may I suggest that, as this is the first time those present have heard the full order of reference read, that they set up a representative committee, and reduce to writing the ideas and suggestions of the tribe as to the form the improvements should take. The Chairman: Yes. Kepa Ehau : Welcome, welcome ! The elders have already welcomed you : let that suffice. We were rather surprised when the clerk read out the powers you have. You have such we have hardly any time to give the matter our consideration. I am in accord with the suggestion made by Mr. Mitchell regarding the forming of a committee. In my opinion I think it a better course, because if we remain as we are, and each person voices his opinion, it will be some time before we come to a conclusion; and I think that we ought to form a committee, and when matters are considered we will place them before you in writing. The Chairman: I think that is a good suggestion. Kepa Ehau : Since you have agreed that we form this small committee, we would like that Mr. Mitchell, should he be free, to become a member, and at the same time we would also like Dr. Buck, so that we could place our matters before them. The Chairman: It is hardly possible for Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Buck to do that. Kepa Ehau: The sooner the committee meets the sooner we will consider the matter. The Chairman: The Commission is entirely sympathetic with the Maoris. What we would like to do is to improve your villages. Kepa Ehau: Would you allow Jus time to have a meeting ? The Chairman: Could the committee meet to-night and see the Commission to-morrow night ? Kepa Ehau: Yes, the committee will meet to-night and furnish you with its report accordingly. The Chairman: This Commission will now adjourn till 2 p.m., at the Native Land Court House. Native Land Court House, 2 p.m. Present: The same. Mr. Hill: I would like to supplement my evidence of this morning by addition of a fewjines : That the Arawa Trust Board should be given power, if they do not already possess it, to make advances on long-dated loans, somewhat on the principle of advances to workers. The Chairman: I would like to hear if the borough has any suggestion to make. G. Steel, Councillor, Rotorua, examined. Witness: I take it, sir, a practical suggestion for the general improvement of the villages ? The Chairman: Yes. Witness : Well, there is one thing which I consider <411 of place now established in Whakarewarewa, and that is those small shops across the bridge. I do not think they in any way improve the locality —-in fact, they are an eyesore to the public. The Chairman.] How long have they been up, Mr. Steele ?—I do not know. They have been there many years. Does the borough receive all plans of shops ? However, I will get the information from the Town Clerk later. Witness: Personally, another thing that Ido not think improves the Whakarewarewa Village is the tea-kiosk which was erected about eighteen months ago. The Chairman: That is on Crown land. Dr. Buck: That is outside the village. Witness: That is so. Personally, I should like to see the old Maori elevation maintained if possible, but that will mean extra expense in the construction of buildings—and at the present date house-building is controlled mainly by the capital available to the owners. Ido not see how we could continue, unless we are prepared to contribute. The Chairman.] And the borough ? —Well, some responsible body. With reference to the remodelling of the villages, you are up against a very hard proposition there, sir, owing to the fact that the existing houses are on ground which is handed down from generation to generation, as it were, and the personal element would have to be considered. No doubt the Native Land Court in the past has had a very difficult proposition in this respect. Personally, of course, this matter is pressing to my mind, but I cannot see any easy method of getting over it without remodelling. You have the present element of old traditions to fight against, and also the Maori idea of sacred places, which has a strong influence on the land they occupy or otherwise. Will the borough accept any responsibility with respect to improving the conditions generally within the pas ? —Yes, in sanitation. How far does the borough go in respect to sanitation ?•—Nightsoil is removed, sir, and a certain amount of rubbish, that is all. Neither of these villages is connected with the town sewerage system. The Tourist Department has had the water laid on to both the villages. What steps do you take in the disposal of rubbish ?—For each of the townships we have had a caretaker appointed to look after the conditions of the village. He is under the personal supervision of the Committee Marae, and is paid by the borough.

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Dr. Buck.] What power has the Committee Marae ? What by-laws have they got ?—They administer the regulations of the Maori Council and any regulations that we enforce. But the Arawa Maori Council ceased to have jurisdiction over these villages some years ago when they were put directly under the administration of the Tourist Department. Village Committees were then set up by the Tourist Department to carry on what had been previously done by the Maori Council Marae Committees. What Maori Council and what regulations do you now allude to ? Mr. McLean : Perhaps I could answer that question later. Dr. Buck.] Very well. [To witness] With regard to the type of building, could you give the Commission a little more detail about your ideas on the subject ?—The old Maori style of elevation is the best. You think that that type of building would improve the general appearance of the villages ?— Yes, it would improve the appearance of the Maori villages considerably. I take it that you want the Maori style still. As far as practicable. Have you any ideas about roofing-material that would get as near as possible to the old Maori form of thatch ? —No ; but corrugated iron is very unsatisfactory in appearance. Mr. Hammond.'] You have stated that on account of existing conditions the Natives might not agree to any change. Do you think that if the Maoris realize that change would be of benefit to them they would agree to reconstruction ?—Well, if you can get permission ; but you are up against a personal element there, and it is a big stumbling-block. Some certain grounds within the villages are sacred, and no one is allowed to live there. Tf it were possible to make arrangements with the Maoris, would it then be possible to carry out the scheme suggested by you ?—Would it mean the wiping-out of the whole village in reconstruction ? We have in mind only those houses in a dilapidated state. Have any valuations been made ?— I have never heard of any valuations being put on any of the sections. How do you fix your rates ? — [ Witness, after consultation with the Town Clerk] Each one is valued, so the Town Clerk informs me. The Town Clerk could give you more detail in these matters. Mr. McLean, Town Clerk, Rotorua Borough Council, examined. Witness: The villages of Ohinemutu and Whakarewarewa are under the control of the Borough Council as a Maori Council under a section of the Rotorua Borough Act, 1922, under which the borough was constituted. Since the Borough Council came into operation in March, 1923, no rates have been collected from either of these villages, but the valuations have now come to hand from the Valuation Department. These valuations show that at Ohinemutu the total value of lands and buildings in Native occupation is £20,119 ; at Whakarewarewa the value is £1,944. If rates are struck on the basis of Id. in the pound on the capital value, the amount for Ohinemutu is £83 16s. 7d., and £8 2s. for Whakarewarewa. I take that at a Id. in the pound because that is about what borough rates have been. The expenditure by the Borough Council during the last three years has been £308 at Whakarewarewa, and £497 at Ohinemutu for the period of three years. For 1923-24, Whakarewarewa £101 16s. 2d., Ohinemutu £145 4s. sd. ; for 1924-25, Whakarewarewa £74 9s. 2d., Ohinemutu £154 4s. 9d. ; for 1925-26, Whakarewarewa, £131 18s. 7d., Ohinemutu £197 12s. Id. The Chairman.] What does all that expense consist of ?—Wages for caretakers, repairs to culverts, streets, &c. There is a refuse-removal twice a week by our own carts. Ohinemutu has the same services as the rest of the town as regards dry-pan system. The Committee Marae of Ohinemutu suggested a decrease in the fees. The Council agreed to rebate as much as 75 per cent, in some cases. These are not included in the figures above quoted. At Whakarewarewa, of course, it has been found impossible to institute the pan system. There was a public convenience in vogue at the back of Paul Thomas's, but the material discharged directly into a hot pool without passing through a septic tank. It was not considered healthy, and the Council had it pulled down. To take its place we erected a communal latrine on the town side of the bridge. As you have no doubt seen, the ground at Whakarewarewa will not carry traffic. A big heavy lorry will cause trouble, and in some places the lorry could not get through. It was thus impossible to establish a pan system for Whakarewarewa. The position with regard to by-laws is that up to perhaps six months ago we, as we thought, could work with the by-laws of the Arawa District Maori Council; but on investigation we found that they have not been adopted or used by the Borough Council as a Maori Council, and we are at the present time going into that matter and drawing up a set of by-laws for the villages. I think I asked Mr. Steele if plans of shops are obtained ?—Plans are submitted to the borough before new buildings are erected, but we have no jurisdiction as to the type. We have no control of the number of residents in the houses. Perhaps the Health Act will deal with that. Mr. Mitchell.] Have you at hand the capital value of the sections at Ohinemutu ? —Capital value on lands and buildings, European occupation, at Ohinemutu is £14,370. Dr. Buck.] Under the old by-laws of the Maori Council there was a section to prevent overcrowding : you have no means at present to prevent it ? —No. The borough has not adopted those by-laws. Is the question of by-laws or regulations for the sanitation of the two villages receiving the attention of the Borough Council I—Yes1 —Yes ; we have the matter under consideration. T. C. Bunyard, Engineer, Borough Council, Rotorua, examined. Witness : As a new resident in the district Ido not know much about the Maoris. The thing that attracted me when I went to Whakarewarewa was the Maori architecture. What we want is

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some provision in the by-laws as to the style of buildings, as I think that is the most important for a start. We have the plans submitted to us. The Chairman.] What is your opinion as to the sanitation in the pas ?—There are no septic tanks. Sanitation is undoubtedly bad. I have not had much time to devote to inspection of the villages. There will be difficulty in getting in a comprehensive system of sewerage owing to the nature of the ground. There is not much trouble in regard to the water-supply. Is the water-supply ample for a sewerage system ? —The pressure is strong enough. Speaking of roofing, corrugated iron lasts no time, but malthoid seems all right. We put up some public telephoneboxes recently and roofed them with Pabco tiles. These are a kind of malthoid tile. They look fairly well, and might be tried with houses. You certainly think that a sewerage scheme should be installed if possible ? ——lf possible, yes. Failing that, it might be possible to have a scheme of septic tanks where the effluent could be run into some of the hot holes. About the roading, Mr. Bunyard : do you think that any of these roads should be widened ? — We are up against trouble if we widen them, on account of extending on to private property. Mr. Mitchell.'] Have you had a look at Taupopoki's place ? There is a large hole near his house ? —But they are trying to fill it up. Have you any idea of the mileage of the roads at Ohinemutu ?—No idea. Mr. Mair.] Can you suggest any suitable roofing-material ?—Shingle is good, except that the metal fixings do not last. Galvanized-iron nails, however, last very well. How about copper ? —Copper lasts no time. Galvanized nails are better than copper. A sewerage system could be carried out better at Ohinemutu, but it could not be comprehensive owing to the lack of fall. It would have to be a number of group systems. Dr. Buck.] What about Whakarewarewa ? —There is too much sulphur there. The Chairman: I .suggest that it would take some time to survey it. No contour survey has yet been made of the villages. Mr. Mair.] Had you a system of septic tanks at Whakarewarewa ?—We were to put in a septic tank, but the Health Department objected. There is a septic tank at the Lake House Hotel at Ohinemutu. Mr. Mitchell.] Could you give us a fair idea of what the cost will be to bituminize the road from the Catholic Church to the pa ?—I should say it would be about ss. a yard. We are experimenting in that line now. We are putting the process through, and if it is successful we could use it for that class of road. Mr. Hammond.] Have you studied the question of traffic in the villages I—No, I have not. Do you think a road around the lake-front would be possible round Ohinemutu ?—We do not have the same trouble around Ohinemutu as we do at Whakarewarewa as to loads. I think it would be very desirable if a road could be formed along the lake from the Marine Parade. Mr. Clinkard, Mayor of Rotorua, examined. Witness : One suggestion in my mind is the question of roading. No doubt these were planned with the idea they should be used for Native footpaths, but from day to day we found that we have been faced with the question of providing for motor-traffic roads into the pa. What I thought might be possible is to widen one or two of the main roads, so as to give access to carry the traffic and leave the other roads for pedestrians. In Whakarewarewa I would say under no conditions should street transit be permitted, on account of subsidences. We should not contemplate heavy traffic in Whakarewarewa, as it is not safe. The Chairman.] The officials have stated to us that there are no by-laws for traffic within the pa :do you think any are necessary ?—I do not think any are necessary. Our desire was to create civic interest within the pa, by giving them some power of government in the pas. Under the Municipal Corpo ations Act we had no jurisdiction for the type of building. Every borough and city should have control of architecture. Mr. Hammond.] That would be incorporated in the Town-planning Act ?—There is another suggestion I would like to make, that is the following of Maori architecture. It might be possible to have boards corrugated so as to give the effect of a raupo-thatched roofing. I would suggest that you get as far as possible away from the reproduction of the European dwellings. The inner walls I would prefer to see in the reeded timber. Mr. Mitchell.] Mr. McLean says that the average expenditure of the two villages is £200. Is there any hope of extending this expenditure ? —The Council has not been parsimonious with regard to any scheme of an urgent nature. lam very pleased that you have met here for the purpose of improving these villages. My only regret is that it has not been done sooner. We have evidence before us as to what has to be done, and we ought to be guided by it. The Chairman.] Have you any suggestion regarding sanitation ? No definite idea has been given us, because it has not been surveyed ?—I think the system of sanitation should be localized to small groups of dwellings. Any comprehensive sewerage system is out of the question, to my mind. A dry-pan 'system is very difficult. Small septic tanks, in my experience, are very suitable. Whakarewarewa, Tuesday, 29th June, 1926 (10 a.m.). Present: The same. Mita Taupopoki: I wish to limit my greetings to the European members of the Commission. I want to express my greetings on behalf of the whole tribe. Welcome to the Arawa Tribe, who

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own this territory. We have known many great things, and consider the appointment of this Commission one of the greatest. We are delighted to know that this Commission was appointed to deal with the Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu Villages only. We feel honoured, and hope that your final deliberations will be of benefit to us ; in fact we feel sure that they will be, for you have associated with you members of our own race to express the Maori viewpoint. Welcome, welcome, welcome ! I will now give you a brief history of our government by the pakehas since they first took charge. Commissioner Johnson was the first pakeha appointed by the Government to Rotorua. This was about 1886. He instructed us to fence our pas and holdings so that the tourists should not fall into the hot pools. He also urged us to keep our pas clean and to preserve their picturesque appearance. He was succeeded by Mr. Malfroy, who took a great interest in geyser activity, and who complimented us on the picturesqueness of our thatched houses. Captain Turner then assumed control in place of Mr. Malfroy. He did not assist us to any great extent. He, however, also took an interest in our thatched houses. The Maori Councils were introduced for the local government of villages about the year 1900. They made laws as to sanitation, drunkenness, &c., and appointed Marae Committees to enforce their by-laws. The work of the Council was good, but they did not seem to approve of the thatched houses and earthen floors that their pakeha predecessors had advised. Before they could accomplish much, they in turn passed away to make room for the Tourist Department. When the Tourist Department was formed Mr. T. E. Donne was appointed as manager. He was alive to the position, and gained control of the villages at Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu. A Tourist Office was established at Rotorua, and Mr. L. Birks was the first Government Tourist Agent appointed. The villages came under his control. He gave us plenty of advice. He also did not see the picturesque value of the thatched houses with earthen floors. He ordered us to build new houses. We attempted to comply with his demands. Our means, however, being limited, we could only build the houses that you have seen and photographed. About 1911, Mr. W. Hill succeeded Mr. Birks as the Government Tourist Agent. I cannot say much beyond that he did not seem to have effected any material improvement in the condition of Whakarewarewa. Dr. Buck: Perhaps you did not give him the opportunity. Mita Taupopoki (shaking his head sadly) : It has been a matter of regret to me that he did not see eye to eye with us. The control passed into the hands of the Borough Council in 1922. We have no fault to find, except that for four years we have been in the same condition as when Mr. Hill left us, except for wear-and-tear and the depreciation in value of my property through subsidences. However, we are accustomed to the " Taihoa " policy of the pakeha. The Borough Council has done us no active harm, which in itself is good. Nothing is better than something which is bad. Now, sir, your Commission has arrived on the scene. I hope it will end our long period of waiting. I hope that there will be something material besides advice. We are ready to support you in what is good, but we will sit down and wait again if it is bad. If the Commission says to us, " Improve your houses," we will wait for a further word, because we have heard that advice before. If the Commission says, " Here is money to enable you to improve your houses and your village," then at last we will have heard what we have been waiting so long to hear. It will be a new word, and we will be able to end the long period of waiting. If money can be advanced to us for a long enough period for us to pay it back, then something will at last be done. This is the solution of the difficulty from our point of view. If the Commission can solve it, then we can give the Commission our whole-hearted support to bring about the object for which it was set up. Waaka te Rohu : Greetings to the Maori members and distinguished visitors ! Welcome to the members of the Commission appointed under the authority of the Governor-General! Welcome, welcome ! You come from our Prime Minister, Mr. Coates, a man of foresight, and one who has the interest of the Maoris at heart. It is some time since we heard that a Commission to inquire into the conditions within our villages had been appointed. Now that you are here we are pleased to welcome you. You have inspected and seen for yourselves the state of our villages. The Chairman: We are here to listen to your views and any suggestions you may make as to improvements. Waaka te Rohu: That is good. I have nothing further to say. The Chairman: I wish to thank you all for your generous welcome. On behalf of the paheka members, I wish to thank you. We are all New-Zealand-born, and that being so we take a keen interest in matters of this kind. Therefore we are at one with your own members in sympathy with the objects of this Commission. We hope with our deliberations we can put up something concrete to the Government, something that may be of benefit to you. Any improvements or alterations must necessarily have the sympathy of the dwellers themselves ; and therefore as a Commission we would like to have your views as to what should be done to improve your pas. The order of reference will be read, so that you will know the objects of the Commission. [Order of reference read in the Maori language]. I would now like to hear your opinions upon what should be the best method of improving the conditions within your pas. Waaka te Rohu: By the time the paper was read we had forgotten the beginning, the middle, and can remember just a few lines at the end. We shall be pleased if you can let us have a copy, or the paper itself. The Chairman : There is no objection to your seeing it. Waaka te Rohu : Good. We desire also to get from the Commission an expression of opinion as a result of their inspection of the pa, and also the reason why photographs were taken during your inspection. Mr. Mitchell: Surely the dilapidated houses that were photographed will themselves tell you why they were photographed.

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Waaka te Rohu (smiling) : Yes, I know that they will announce, to those who look at the photographs the fact that they should not be allowed to cumber the ground. But perhaps you could tell the Tuhourangi Tribe the reason. Mr. Mitchell: It is now unnecessary : you have told them. Aperahama Wiari : With regard to the order of reference just read out, we would like to have a copy of it, so that we shall be able to understand it and discuss it intelligently. The Chairman : It could be read out clause by clause, and each clause discussed in turn. Aperahama Wiari : We would like our discussion in committee. I would suggest that the Commission take a walk for an hour. The Chairman : We will give you half an hour to go into the matter. [Commission resumed inquiry at 12 noon.] Waaka te Rohu : We have had a most profitable hour, but are sorry that we have exceeded the time allowed us. However, since we have come to some settlement the time is not wasted. We thank you for allowing Mr. Mitchell to assist us, for without his valuable assistance we would not have been able to arrive at any finality. Mr. Mitchell will explain what we have decided to do. Mr. Mitchell: In the first place, sir, this is the first time the Tuhourangi people have heard the order of reference, and they consider the Commission have very wide powers. They were told that the Ohinemutu people were given the opportunity to consider the reference read and submit a report of their deliberations to the Commission. They would therefore ask a little time to meet the Ohinemtitu people and discuss the matter, with a view to combining the suggestions for both pas and submitting one report as representing the united opinion of the people of these pas. The Chairman : Would their report be a written one ? Mr. Mitchell : Yes. The Ohinemutu people met last evening and arrived at certain proposals, and it is intended to submit those proposals to the Commission this evening. There are two exceptions which do not apply to the Ohinemutu people : they are (1) sports-ground, (2) access to the back portion (slope) of the pa. The Whakarewarewa people would like a small area—say, 5 acres —set apart as a sports-ground. The topography of Whakarewarewa shows that there is no land available for a playground. They suggest an area near the Post-office. The Chairman : Is that Crown land ? Mr. Mitchell: Yes. And to provide for the extension of the pa they suggest that the surveyed road leading to the back portion (slope) be formed so as to give access to that part of the pa. As to the approaches they are diffident at expressing any opinion, and, while they realize that something ought to be done to improve them, they have no suggestions to make. The Chairman : The written report you spoke of : would that include sanitation ? Mr. Mitchell: All the clauses are dealt with, and opinions are offered on each. The Chairman : One point the Commission would want to know is the overcrowding in the buildings. We would like concrete cases. Waaka te Rohu : I can give you several cases of overcrowding. (1.) Keepa Tamati family : This family occupies a four-roomed cottage. There are five married couples and four grandchildren, making a total of fourteen persons living in it. (2.) Wikiriwhi te Tuahu family : There are nine in this family, and they all live in a three-roomed cottage. (3.) Mihaka Makiha family : This family number ten, and live in a two-roomed cottage. There are other cases of similar nature. The Chairman : Are all these numbers included in the census papers ? Waaka te Rohu: No. Some of them were away when the census was taken, but the census is a fair indication of the population. The Chairman : Would you mind if the Commission inspected the houses ? Waaka te Rohu: We would like you to do so. The Chairman : I would like to know what is the method of disposal of nightsoil and rubbish. Waaka te Rohu : There is no method of disposal of nightsoil, but there is a small box provided for rubbish, but quite inadequate to cope with same. The Chairman : Do you not realize the necessity for a proper disposal of nightsoil ? Waaka te Rohu : Very much so, sir. The Chairman : When will you be ready with your report ? I would suggest that you submit it to the Commission as early as possible. Waaka te Rohu : We shall be ready by half-past 8 this evening. The Chairman : I would like to say that the Commission is not antagonistic in any way. We are here to do the best we can to improve your conditions, and would like your assistance and co-operation in the matter. Waaka te Rohu : We will assist you in anything that would be of benefit to us. The Chairman : The Commission will now adjourn till 8.30 this evening, when it will again sit to receive your report. In the meantime we will inspect the houses you mention, and any others you would like the Commission to see. Ohinemutu, Tuesday, 29th June (8.30 p.m.). Present: The same. The Ohinemutu Village report was submitted by Kepa Ehau, who asked that, in addition to what had been included in the report, a sports-ground between the wharf and the village be set apart for the Ohinemutu people. He also stressed the necessity of establishing a Maori school of art in the village. He hoped that the Commission would consider the matter in making its report. Wiremu Kingi, in a short speech, again referred to the great importance they attached to the work of the Commission. The Commission could be assured of the support of every inhabitant of

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the Ohinemutu Village in enthusiastically carrying out any approved scheme which may be placed before them, provided, of course, that the scheme be within financial reach of the people. He also took the opportunity to bid farewell to the Commission. Mr. Mitchell explained that, owing to the fact that certain matters had arisen affecting the Whakarewarewa Village only, and which the Tuhourangi Tribe desired to discuss more fully, the Whakarewarewa Village report was not available. The Tuhourangi Tribe regretted the delay, and wished to assure the Commission that their report would be forwarded to the Chairman at Wellington in the course of a few days. The Chairman, on behalf of members of the Commission, suitably thanked the people for their welcome and farewell speeches. He hoped that the Commission would be able to make such recommendations as would be of benefit to the people of the Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu Villages. The Commission then adjourned to Wellington. Whakarewarewa, Thursday, Ist July, 1926 (7 p.m.). Present: Commissioners H. Tai Mitchell, Esq., Dr. P. H. Buck, D.5.0., and Rangi Royal, Esq., Secretary. A representative gathering of the Tuhourangi Tribe was also present. Aperahama Wiari, after the customary speech of welcome, stated that the object of Tuhourangi's invitation to the members of the Commission was to hear them (Tuhourangi) discuss their report, and to explain any points upon which Tuhourangi were doubtful, and also to make any suggestions that would assist Tuhourangi in arriving at a report representing the unanimous opinion of the people. He regretted the fact that they were unable to present their report to the Chairman before he left, and asked that the members present express their regrets to the Chairman at Wellington. He stressed the fact that the appointment of the Commission was a very important event from their point of view, and the matter upon which they had to offer suggestions had to be considered from every possible aspect. The committee appointed to deal with the matter had completed its report, and would read it, so that Tuhourangi and members of the Commission could hear and discuss it. [Report read.] Waaka te Rohu stated that Tuhourangi was afraid that the Government would take their Ngawha Reserve, upon which their dining-room stood. They were strongly opposed to any step in this direction, and therefore would ask that the report of the Commission be made available to them before any scheme resulting therefrom be brought into execution. He would like to see added to the report a clause whereby the successors of a deceased person should assume liability for the repayment of a loan made to deceased during his lifetime. He approved of the report. Hira Rangimatini and Rihari H eretaunga also approved of the report, and asked that the Commission protect their Ngawha Reserve. Mita Taupopoki said he was in agreement with anything that would benefit the tribe. He stood by what he had already agreed to —the adoption of the Ngati-Whakaue report as the report for both villages. However, he had full confidence in the Commission, and would leave things entirely in their capable hands. Kepa Ehav, said he would like to see added to the report some recommendation in respect of a Maori school of art, and also a playing-area for children. Mr. Mitchell stated that he and his colleague Dr. Buck came out prepared for some trouble and argument, and were agreeably surprised to find that the matter had been settled. He would like to see added some recommendation for the lighting of the pa, and the provision of carved posts for the entrance at the bridge. He explained matters upon which Tuhourangi was doubtful, and assured them that the report would be available after it had been printed and tabled in the House of Representatives. Dr. Bvck reminded Tuhourangi that they were fortunate in the appointment of a Commission to deal with their villages and to make recommendations for improving their living-conditions. They should dispel anything suspicious from their minds, and realize that any recommendations the Commission make would not in any way be detrimental to their interests. They had the assurance of the Chairman that " any improvements or alterations must necessarily have the sympathy of the people." He refuted any suggestions or statements that the Commission had refused anybody permission to build a house. The Borough Council was the only body with that authority. After considerable discussion, recommendations as to lighting, a sports-ground, and carved posts for the pa entrance were added to the report, and the report then passed and adopted. The meeting adjourned at 11,30 p.m.

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CORRESPONDENCE. Ohinemutu, 28th June, 1926. The Chairman of the Royal Commission and your fellow Commissioners, Rotorua : Greetings. We highly appreciate the nature and extent of the Commission which you are entrusted to carry out. We therefore respectfully ask the Chairman to telegraph to the Governor-General and to the Premier the thanks and appreciation of the Natives living here and at Whakarewarewa for the humane and progressive principles covered by the scope of the Commission, which we hope will ultimately result in the betterment of the living-conditions in these villages. In accordance with our request, of which you approved, we met last night, and the following is a summary of the general opinions of the people, which we hope will receive your earnest consideration. The situation was discussed from two points of view—(1) Matters which are of a general or public nature, and (2) matters which are of a personal or individual nature. 1. The public matters are as follows: (1) Roads, (2) sanitation, (3) burial-grounds, (4) public baths, (5) meeting-houses, (6) dining-rooms, (7) fences, (8) lighting, (9) urinals, (10) parking-area, (11) business premises, (12) overseeing, (13) hot springs, (14) roads (subsidiary), (15) water. Roads : We feel that the present roads are sufficient in width and numbers to cope with our requirements, but their condition could be easily improved upon. There are two roads which we desire to be concreted or bitumenized—Huatahi and Taiwhakaea Roads. These two roads are the main arteries leading to Ohinemutu, and incidentally to the hub of the village, Te Papa-i-Ouru. We recommend that carved posts be erected at intervals along these roads leading to the pa; this principle could also be adopted at the Tunohopu and Rorooterangi meeting-houses, either at their approaches or in and around their immediate vicinities. We view with alarm any suggestion leading to the widening of any road in the pa, as it may create a charabanc route for sightseers and involve heavy motor traffic ; should this eventuate there is no doubt that accidents will take toll of elders and children. We feel that a certain amount of privacy is necessary, and would far rather that the village be viewed by pedestrians at their leisure than that it be invaded by motor-loads of " see-all-in-a-short-time " hordes of sightseers. Sanitation : This is a very big proposition, and we feel that it is beyond our technical knowledge to comment upon. We therefore desire to leave the whole question in your more capable hands to deal with, and we will be glad if you could submit a scheme for the removal of the nightsoil, apart from the present pan system. In regard to the effluent from the Lake House septic tank discharging into the Ruapeka Bay, we would ask you to protect from contamination the water in this bay, as it is used by both the Maoris and pakehas for a swimming resort. Burial-grounds : Any proposal which would involve violating the tapu of our cemeteries and sacred grounds will meet with our strong disapproval. We ask you to respect our wishes in this connection. Baths, &c. : This is a matter of no mean importance. We will be glad if you will consider and recommend designs for shelters for three public baths in the village. Meeting-houses and Dining-rooms : We have three meeting-houses, each provided with a diningroom. There is, as far as we are concerned, no recommendation to make in this respect, but we would appreciate any suggestion or design you will submit in regard to enclosing these buildings with suitable fences, in keeping and in harmony with the surroundings. Fences : We recommend rockery as the most attractive kind of fencing for the pa, carved posts to be interspersed at intervals. Lighting : More lights should be provided to light up the pa. The system of " corner lighting " in towns cannot be applied to the pa on account of the irregularity of the roads. On top of this there are too many springs too close to roads to be safe —some are actually on the roads or on public thoroughfares. Urinals: This pa is much frequented by European visitors, and we therefore recommend that public conveniences for males and females be established throughout the pa. Parking-area : We recommend that the present buildings at the end of the Marine Parade, which is the main entrance to the pa, be demolished, and that this spot be levelled and set aside for a parking-area. Business Premises : Strict regulations should be drawn up to discourage shops and business places being erected and conducted in the pa, but these should not apply to the local Maori residents. Over-seeing : Regulations should be framed to provide for efficient and weekly inspection of the village to maintain cleanliness generally and prevent accumulation of rubbish. Hot Springs : These we recommend should be fenced off by neat fences of appropriate designs. This will add to the attractiveness of the village and to the safety of the public. Roads (Subsidiary) : Other than Taiwhakaea and Huatahi, already referred to, we recommend that these be permanently laid down in hard material, and proper water-tables to cope with stormwater, &c. At present many of the roads have deep channels on the sides, which, because of the narrow width, are unsightly and dangerous. Water: Improved line of pipes to replace the present haphazard system. Sufficiency of reticulation and pressure, so as to satisfy reasonable requirements, would be an improvement. Matters of a Personal or Individual Nature.—lt is estimated that there are about twenty houses in the Ohinemutu Pa which should be demolished. The owners are quite agreeable to their demolition if the Commission could submit some comprehensive scheme of rebuilding. We consider that the most effective scheme would be one formulated upon the lines indicated hereunder ;—

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That a scheme of borrowing money from the Government be formulated by the Commission ; such scheme to be within financial reach of the inhabitants of the pa. To bring the scheme within effective reach of the people we would suggest that loans be available free of interest and subject to the following conditions : —• (1.) That the repayment of loans be spread over a long term —say, thirty years or more : (2.) That where houses are ordered to be demolished, the values of such houses should be credited against the loans : (3.) That houses should be built according to the approved design of the Government Architect: (4.) That provision should be made for the addition to or renovation of existing houses : (5.) That loans be made available to those persons who have no houses and are desirous of building. Henare Mete Amohau (for Ngati-Whakaue). Whakarewarewa, Ist July, 1926. The Chairman of the Royal Commission, and your fellow Commissioners, Wellington : Greetings. The Tuhourangi Tribe expresses its appreciation at your coming into its midst to inquire into the defects of the Village of T e Whakarewarewa, the broad question whereby health may be assured to all and the means by which each individual may be properly housed. You will report to the Prime Minister who appointed you. The Tuhourangi Tribe hopes that realization will result to the desire of the Prime Minister that the Villages of Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu be improved. Tuhourangi also praises the thorough manner in which you have inquired into matters set out in the order of reference of your Commission. The following embodies the general opinions of the tribe, and we submit them to you for the consideration of your Commission. Matters of a General or Public Nature. —Roads ; sanitation ; burial-grounds ; public baths ; meeting-houses. Roads : We consider that the present roads and bridge are quite sufficient, and that no change be made. There are two roads we desire should be bitumenized or concreted : (1) The road from the bridge and running past Wahiao (meeting-house) to the Spout Baths and on to the State Forests gates; (2) the road from the bend at Wahiao to the gate of the Government reserve. We recommend the forming of the road to the back of the pa, so as to give access to that portion required in the extension of the pa. Sanitation : This is a most important matter, and we feel that we are not competent to offer any suggestions. However, we earnestly desire that you should formulate some scheme for the disposal of the nightsoil from the Whakarewarewa Village. Burial-grounds : We ask you to protect our burial-grounds from desecration. Baths : We ask that you consider some means for the erection of two bathhouses for our village. Meeting-houses : We have two meeting-houses and one dining-room. We consider these sufficient for our requirements. Fences : We suggest a rockery fence as the most suitable kind of fencing for the pa. To make these fences attractive we recommend that carved posts be erected at intervals along them. Business Premises : Strict by-laws should be drawn up to discourage the erection and the conduct of any business premises within the pa, but such by-laws should not apply to local Maori residents. Matters of a Personal Interest.—lt is estimated that there are about forty-five houses in the Whakarewarewa Pa which should be demolished. The owners are quite agreeable to their demolition if the Commission could submit some comprehensive scheme of rebuilding. We consider that the most effective scheme would be one formulated upon the lines indicated hereunder. That a scheme of borrowing money from the Government be formulated by the Commission ; such scheme to be within financial reach of the inhabitants of the pa. To bring the scheme within effective reach of the people we would suggest — (a.) That loans be available free of interest, and subject to the following conditions : (b.) That repayment be spread over a long term —say, thirty-six years or more : (c.) That where houses are ordered to be demolished, the values of such houses should be credited against the loans : (d.) That houses should be rebuilt according to the approved design of the Government Architect: (e.) That provision should be made for the addition to or renovation of existing houses : (/.) That loans be made available to those persons who have no houses and are desirous of building. Electric lighting : We desire that electric-light poles be erected along the roads within the pa. Sports-ground : We desire that a sports-ground of 5 acres be laid out for our children. We ask you to support our request in this connection. Subsidences : Owing to subsidences we have two large holes in front of our meeting-house. It is not right that these should remain unfilled, because of the danger incurred by our children through the poor fencing which encloses them. We ask your assistance in this matter. Carved posts : We recommend that carved posts be erected at the bridge which is the entrance to the pa. That is all. From your friends, Mita Taupopoki, Rihari Heretaunga, of Tuhourangi.

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Rotorua, 9th September, 1924. His Worship the Mayor, Councillors, and Burgesses of the Borough of Rotorua : Tena koutou. I have the honour, by resolution of the Arawa Trust Board, to state that it is desirous of expending a portion of its income in the Villages of Ohinemutu, Tarewa, and Whakarewarewa, with a view to effecting improvements in the general conditions prevailing therein, both public and private, but more particularly private. The Board, however, hesitates to act, preferring that the initiative in contemplated improvements in the villages of a public nature should come from the borough, because that body is, I understand, responsible for the civic and municipal government of the Native settlements within the boundaries of the borough. The Board therefore respectfully suggests the preparation of a comprehensive scheme by the Borough Engineer for the villages, dealing with drainage and sewerage, roads, water-tables and channelling, sanitary conveniences (public and otherwise), houses and fences, and generally to indicate the directional flow of improvement activities in other ways, so as not to destroy Native characteristics, which attract the tourists, and which the Board is anxious to see preserved as part of the life and decorative features of Ohinemutu, Tarewa, and Whakarewarewa. If such a scheme is devised by the Borough Engineer and approved, the Native residents of the villages will be materially assisted by the Board to improve their living-quarters and private holdings. In certain cases the Board, I feel assured, would, if invited, assist the borough in carrying out private undertakings in the settlements so as to hasten proposed improvements. The task of formulating a scheme which will suit the villages will not be an easy one. Difficulties not existing in other boroughs will confront the Engineer. The little-known effect of thermal action on material, and how to combat the same, will for a start puzzle t':e expert. On the other hand, boiling springs offer a field for experimental purposes, which might with economical advantages be utilized as agents of destruction for liquid discharges of any kind. As an approximate guide, may I respectfully suggest that the scheme and report refer to the following matters 1. Water-supply : Improved line of pipes to replace the present haphazard system. Sufficiency of reticulation and pressure so as to satisfy reasonable requirements of users and fire-prevention purposes. Improved taps to obviate waste where free taps are now installed. (This service is, I believe, under the Tourist Department, but Engineer might place his views on record.) 2. Public urinals and privys :An urgent matter—a great public need. The large number of visitors passing to and fro through the villages makes this an absolute necessity which cannot be ignored any longer. Sites should be chosen and acquired. 3. Sewerage : This is a difficult problem, but should not be insurmountable. Its importance need not be stressed from a health point in a town like Rotorua, visited by tourists from all parts of the world. Position should be faced and action decided. 4. Roads, &c. : Fixation of grades and placing of bench-marks for ready reference. Any work on these can then develop to the final levels so fixed. 5. Rubbish : Disposal of same : destructor or carting. 6. Houses: Would Engineer prepare plans of Maori houses—'Various sizes—-to retain racial characteristics of architecture and yet conform with modern requirements as to comfort and convenience ? Estimated cost of the different designs to be given. 7. Fences : Kind of fences Engineer recommends—material and style. Cost of different kinds per chain. Durable woods should be used. Aim at uniformity without sameness. 8. Old buildings : Suggest Sanitary Inspector and Engineer conferring and submitting combined report. Where buildings are condemned by the Sanitary Inspector and menacing public health, action should be taken to remove same as soon as possible. 9. Private or communal privys : Engineer might report on the desirability or otherwise of this proposal. Question of sites and where situated should be indicated if the proposal is practicable. It will be recollected that the Minister for Native Settlements and members of his Department conferred with borough members on the Ist July last, when the deputation was asked to place its views in writing. As stated, however, the Arawa Trust Board is reluctant to precede the borough in matters which are primarily the concern of the borough. It therefore respectfully requests that the borough formulate definite proposals regarding improvements in the villages, and thus enhance the value of some of the chief assets of the Town of Rotorua. In conclusion, I would like to draw the attention of members of the borough to the gradual decline of civic control in the villages. When under the Tourist Department more interest was taken in the villages, but since the change of control took place the advance confidently anticipated under the new form of government has not materialized. May it not be deferred much longer. I remain, Yours faithfully, R. Kingi, Secretary, Arawa Trust Board.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given* printing (575 oopies), £67 10s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1926,

Price Is. 6d.]

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EXHIBIT C.—Tea-room, Whakarewarewa.

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EXHIBIT D.—Building Types in Whakarewarewa.

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EXHIBIT E. —Model Maori Pa, Whakarewarewa.

a.—?.

EXHIBIT F.—Buildings in Ohinemutu.

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EXHIBIT F. —Buildings in Ohinemutu —continued.

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EXHIBIT G.—Buildings at Approach to Whakarewarewa.

Exhibit A.

BLK.I TARAWERA S.D.

Plan of OHINEMUTU PA.

Subdivision of WHAKAREWAREWA NOS. SEC. 1b.