MAORI CARVINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1933, Page 2

MAORI CARVINGS

WORK OF ROTORUA SCHOOL PRESERVING DYING ART ROTORUA, May 24. Tn ideal surroundings, in close ]'rex'unity to Lake Rotorua at Koutu, Ohinemntu, is the Macri Arts School which is doing valuable work in the preservation of the Macri art of carv ing. Hie school was started six years ago in the. village cf Ohinemutu, an 1 was removed to its present site, which was co nsi die, red more suitable, about two and n-half. years ago. Workmen’s cottages have been erected cii the site, and a small industry of great inttres 1 has been established.

Prior to tho commencement of the Maori Arts Board’s operations, there was every indication that the Maori carver’s art would he lost in New Zca land as there were but very few of the old carvers left, and since the school was started these have died. At the present time there are four student carvers who are employed by . Hie board, and, under the direction, of Mr H. Hamilton, they have made splendid progress. All the carvings done at the school are a true representation of the Maori art, and are based on correct designs and copies of ancient carvings. Visitors from many parts of the world have spoken in glowing terms of the institution and the valuable work it is doing.

There is at present a very large quantity of carved material at the school, among which are some carvings that have just been commenced for the assembly hall of Te Aute College, Hawke’s Bay. These consist mainly of slabs of totara measuring 13ft long by 4ft wide and about 9in thick, and in the rough state weigh from one-half to three-quarters of a ton each. It is thought that these are the largest pieces of wood ever carved in New Zca* land. These slabs will lie used for the interior decoration of the hall. Carved window frames and doorways will also add to the beauty of the interior decorations. It is estimated that this work will take about eight months to complete. There is also a line set of finished carvings for the Meeting House at Waihi, Tokaanu. This consists of a main doorway and uprights, a porch step, and a gable figure portrait of a Maori ancestor. 1

A large and most interesting collection which has also been complet'H is that (executed for a large meeting house at Otaki. This building 1 measures Gsft long by 30ft' wide. The carvings are of . beautiful design, there being much intricate work of an exceptionally artistic nature. The carvings include a large number of panels which will be used for the 1 interior deco ratio/ of the walls, ridge posts and pillars. There is also a l ai ‘ge quantity of carved material for the outside of the building, and there is everything in this set that is essential for a fully carved Maori house. . This . .work also •ook several months to complete.