CARVED HOUSE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 134, 29 January 1932, Page 6

CARVED HOUSE

^ g, f - * i*> OWNERS PROPOSE REMOVAL OR CLOSING OF LANDMARK * VALUE EMPHASISED The Rotorua Borough Council, at its meeting on Wednesday night, was advised that the trustees of the carved house at Whakarewarewa are considering either the removal or closing up of the building. The opinion was expressed that, in view of the fact that this building is one of the finest examples of Maori carving in the Dominion and of very considerable value to the district, an effort should be made by the council either t& acquire it by sale or obtain a lease under suitable conditions. After the matter had been discussed, the Mayor was empowered to interview a representative of the owners who is at present in Rotorua, and ascertain whether satisfactory arrangements can be made to prevent the removal or closing up of the house.

The Mayor (Mr. T. Jackson) stated that the trustees of the building proposed either to remove the house from Rotorua altogether, or else close it up. He thought it would be a great pity if Rotorua lost such a fine example of Maori carving. It had been suggested to him that arrangements might be made for the borough to take over control of the house. It might be made a composite part of the Whaka development scheme and proper entrances and a lay-out designed for its surroundings. A representative of the owners was at present in Rotorua and would be pleased to discuss the matter with the council. Seven Year Period In reply to a question the Mayor said that the owners would not be prepared to give a lease for a longer period than seven years and would be expected to be relieved of rates and insurance during that period. The annual rate due was £1 19s lld and 'nsurance would cost £3. or £4 per annum. It was just a question as to whether the council thought it worth while to undertake responsibility for what was undoubtedly a very fine example of Maori carving, and preserve it in the town. Councillor H. Tai Mitchell said that the carvings were undoubtedly some of the best in the district, and were very, very old. He would be very sorry to lose the house, but he thought that the council should have a longer term of tenure. Speakfng as one of the Arawas and knowing the history of the carvings he hoped the house could be kept, provided better conditions could be obtained than those at present suggested. He suggested that the house might he acquired, when it might prove the basis for a museum or provide a uniaue place for the reception of distinguished visitors. Councillor 0. H. Coleman said the council would merely be acting as a custodian; he thought that Councillor Mitchells suggestion that the house should be acquired might be entertained. It was finally decided that the Mayor should interview the representative of the owners and ascertain Mie terms of a possible lease or purchase.