Q

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

12