MODEL VILLAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1929, Page 2

MODEL VILLAGE

TYPICAL OF NATIVE LIFE. s

WELLINGTON, Sept. 10

Some details of the scheme for the creation of a model Maori village at Wbakarcwarewa were .given in (the House) of Representatives to-day by the Minister of Native Affairs, Sir Apirana Ngata. It was pointed out by the leader of the Opposition that Whakarewarewa in its present state tfas not calculated to impress either New Zealanders or tourists as a fair sample of Native life. The nmpll sum on the estimates was not enough to make the necessary improvements. Mr Coates saidthe Natives had met the Government in ;a very conciliatory spirit, but the question of asking people to change their abode was always a “sticky" subject.

Sir Apirana Ngata agreed that a start should be made in earnest on the work of improving Whakarewarewa. \ It was for Parliament to decide whether the State should make a direct grant. A sum of £2OO was placed on the estimates last year for the purpose of providing access to the area.

Mr Fraser (Wellington Central): It .was- the feeling of the House that Parliament should make a contribution.

Sir Apirana Ngata said that if Parliament decided to do that .the Natives . would, no doubt, 1 take a fair share of the burden. As the whole thing came down to a matter of housing, .plans had been prepared for a modern house, which would cost £BSO. but that was too much. Further plans had, been prepared for a house "to l cost £360, . but that was also too high. It was now for the Polynesian to devise a suitable and cheaper dwelling, which could he constructed from materials ready to hand. Jt should not be necessary for such materials as corrugated iron to be used. Interiors could be lined and papered with illustrated papers. If the nous’es were built, at • cost of £250 to £3OO thp Natives. could contribute . about a .third ,of -the cost. The WOqld not, be considered important at this stage, of . Maori. development and .culture. .It might be sufficient if a start , \yere 'made by partitioning off tji'e kitchen, and-bathroom. Old, Maori, houses had no partitions. The plain for £BSO houses provided for a house of four roqmsj with the. latest in por-celain-h,qths.; That was. not necessary, as "the Maoris had to walk only a hundred yards to get to the hot springs. (Laughter.)