GENERAL GODLEY'S REPORT

♦ — ■ — MAORIS HIGHLY PRAISED. THEIR DESIRE TO FIGHT. The Minister for Defence" (the Hon. James Allen) hae received from MajorGeneral Godley a Tepprt dated 10th April. General Godley states that complete arrangements had been made in regard to any gifts that may be forwarded for, members of the Expeditionary Force. They would be received by Lieut. -Colonel Charters at the base at Alexandria, who would have the assistance of the chaplains for distributing them. The receipt of the gifts would be carefully recorded, their issue noted, and (written acknowledgment obtained from those who received them. Writing on 29th March, General Godley said that the Maoris had been made very comfortable, in the camp where they were situated, near the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. They appeared to be pleased with their quarters (this was before the contingent had left for Malta). They had tents on the lines of the Egyptian Army tents, which were most suitable for the climate there — cold nights and hot days. General Godloy was making every provision for suitable appointments in the camp, and with the assistance of the V.M.C.A. representatives was endeavouring to make their camp more attractive for them than the city. Major Herbert, of the 9th (East Coast) Rifles, had been appointed to their command in place of Major Peacock, who had been invalided at Albany. Writing again on 2nd April, General Godley said that the- Minister would have heard that the Maoris had been ordered to Malta, and after having seen them, he was very disappointed they were not going with tHS" Expeditionary Force. He believed that they would have done well. They Avere leaving for Malta, that night.' Since their arrival in Egypt they had behaved extraordinarily well, and had earned golden opinions by their appearance and smartness and general efficiency. Everyone thought well of them, and they were sorry they were not going with the New Zealanders. H« had got the High Commissioner and Generals Birdwood and Maxwell to go to the camp and see them, and they had been given a great reception, the Maoris I dancing a haka for them. Since then, General Godley said, ho had received the following letter from General Sir J. G. Maxwell: "Will you let the Maori Contingent know that, in accordance with what I told them, yesterday, I have both Wi'itton and telegra.phed to Lord Kitchener that it is their desire to serve and fight with the New Zealauders. I think they will be a valuable reinforcement , don't you?" The ' Minister states that he intends from time tio time to communicate to the Maori members matters in connection with the Maori Contingent.