RETURNING MAORI DRAFT.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 71, 24 March 1919, Page 5

RETURNING MAORI DRAFT.

A SPECIAL OCCASION , . PREPARATIONS FOR WELCOME. A deputation of Maoris waited on the Mayor this morning with regard to the returning Maori pioneer 'battalion on the 'Westmoreland. Captain Yereoe, D.5.0., D.C.M., and others, intimated that p. decision had been arrived at to leave the question of arrangements in the hands of the Patriotic Association feeling sure that the association, on behalf of the public, would provide a suitable reception. A considerable amount of information was placed in the hands of the Major apropos of the proposal generally, and Mr. Gunson undertook to call together a special meeting of the Patriotic Association Oris afternoon to consider the position and determine what could be offered the Maoris by way of suggestions for suitable arrangements, not only with regard to the draft, but also in regard to the next-of-kir., who will be meeting the soldiers. Alluding to the matter subsequently, Mr. Gunson said the return of these Maoris would mark a very special occasion with several distinctive features. First, it 'Was the only unit which as a unit was returning in entirety to New Zealand. Further, it practically comprised the whole of the Maori soldiers still abroad, and the occasion wae a unique one inasreuch as it marked the return to Kew Zealand of the members of the native race who left the shores of their country to take part in the world war. It was an occasion which the citizens should suitably recognise and extend that welcome to the Maoris which alone could show our appreciation of the services they had rendered since the outbreak of the war. ARGUMENTS AGAINST GISBORMS. PORT DIFFICULTIES INSUPERABLE. Several reasons are set forth in a telegram received by Mr. Tau Henare, M.P. for Northern Maori, from the Minister of Defence, Sir James Allen, ehowing the impracticability of Gisborne being made tltc- first port of call for the Westmoreland, which is bringing the bulk of the Maori Pioneer Battalion back to New Zealand. The Minister, in the course of a wire stating that the steamer is now due at Auckland on April 5, a week earlier that was anticipated, says: "I have carefully considered the bringing of the Westmoreland to Gisborne, and I much regret to advise you that I havo found it impracticable. The two chief difficulties are, firstly, the landing at Gisborne will depend on the weather; secondly, as you know, the ship i≤ practically certain to be subject to at least 24 hours' quarantine on arrival, and she would therefore probably have to pus to sea with the health officer on board. Further, in the event of there being any cases on board necessitating quarantine, a difficulty would arise in makingprovision for them to be quarantined at Gisborne. In the circumstances the only thing which may perhaps done will be to bring on the East Goast Maoris to Gisborne from Auckland if a coastal steamer is available. The fact that the ship is arriving much sooner than wae expected necessitates urgent action being- taken, as ali next-of-kin notices have been held up pending decision as to destination."