WHAKA RESERVE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 635, 13 September 1933, Page 6

WHAKA RESERVE

IMPROVEMENT WORK PLANS OF KOMITI MARAE NOW WELL IN HAND BATHS TO BE RE-BUILT Although still a long way fromcompletion, the plans of the Whakarewarewa Komiti Marae for the beautification of the thermal reserve have already reached a stage which- has" greatly added to the attractiveness of the reserve and prompted favourable comment from visitors. It is interesting to note ithat[ the greater part of the work has been undertaken and financed by the natives in the reserve, without recourse to the revenue of the borough. One of the first impressions is the remarkable improvement which has been effected by the clearance of trees and dead shrubs from the stream at the entrance of the pa. From the bridge above the visitor can now secure an uninterrupted view of the stream on its winding course into the f pool below, which has also been greatly improved by the construction of rock walls and steps. Off the main pathway to the thermal sights the walk has been made more attractive by the general renovation of the natives' whares, the planting of native trees) ferns and flax plants, and the tidying of the pathways. Towards the Spout Baths, shrubs have also been planted and the old wooden bridge replaced by a pathway edged with rocks. Here a start has also been made with the erection of a fence bearing Maori carvings at regular intervals, and it is intended that this type of fencing shall be adopted in other parts of the reserve. Rebuilding Oil Baths As the result of a decision made by the Komiti Marae this week, further steps for the improvement of the region are to be shortly undertaken. The first, which it is expected will be commenced next week, is the re-building of the once well-known Oil Baths in the native reserve at the entrance of the pa. Before the ■building housing the baths was destroyed by fire some years ago, these baths were very popular with- visitors and residents and were considered unlike any of the other baths in the district. The other more important improvement considered was the renovation and re-painting of the bridge leading into the pa and the possible provision of a typically Maori entrance at its north end.