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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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