MEETING HOUSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 1940, Page 4

MEETING HOUSE

NEW BUILDING COMPLETED AT TE ORE ORE. CARVING .WELL UNDER WAY. The erection of the new Maori meeting house at Te Ore Ore has been completed, but the carving for the facade and the interior is still in hand. The new meeting house which is 60 feet long, although only about half the size of the one destroyed by fire, which was claimed to be the largest of its kind in New Zealand, is of ample preproportions to meet the needs of the Natives. Over £4OO has been raised by the Maoris of the district towards the cost of the new building, and a Government subsidy of £1 for every £3 raised (from the National Centennial funds) has brought in another £144. The building is a rough-cast concrete structure, and is to be ornamented with typical examples of Maori carving, though those for the interior will be held over until after the war.

The chief artist, Mr Joseph Hu tana, has completed the centre pole for the entrance and this, a fine piece of carving has been placed in position. Two side poles are still to be completed. Mr J. Robertson, M.P., is making arrangements for the carving to be made a full-time job under the No. 13 scheme, and it is stated that five or six weeks’ work will see the completion of the carving for the facade.