MUST QUENCH FIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 219, 16 September 1939, Page 11

MUST QUENCH FIRE.

"FIGHT WITH PAKEHA."

NGAPUHIS DECLARE WAR.

UNCONDITIONAL OFFER,

WHANGAREI, this day. Jhe Nga pubis, paramount tribe of Northland, have declared war on Germany and her allies.

Opportunity to discuss the attitude of northern Maoris towards the war was taken at the conference of leaders held at Waiomio yesterday to prepare for the Waitangi celebrations. A letter was drawn up assuring the Prime Minister of the Ngapuhis' absolute allegiance to the British Crown and to the Government of New Zealand in the crisis. Mr. Savage is to be asked to leave the way open for the flower of the race to enlist for overseas service.

There was complete unanimity among the 100 present, representing all creeds and political parties. Strong resentment was expressed at the action taken by the Tokerau Labour party at Toe toe asking the Government to "restrict the service of Maoris to home defence alone.

The feeling of the people was, "The fire is burning in Europe. It must be quenched there, and our young men and women will help to do it shoulder to shoulder with their pakeha brothers." Exception was also taken to the suggestion emanating from the Tokerau Labour conference that the Maori force be called the Treaty of Waitangi Battalion. Preference was expressed for the title "Hoko Whitu a Tu," under which the first Maori soldiers left New Zealand during the Great War.

While the Waiomio gathering expressed preference -for Maori troops in the present war taking their place in the firing line, it was felt that the capacity in which they should serve should be left unreservedly to the military authorities. In making the unconditional offer of service, it was desired that the best possible use be made of man power to secure success for a cause common to the Maoris and to Europeans.

A letter from Sir Apirana Ngata read to the conference stated that it was hoped to revive the Pioneer Battalion, and the Minister of Defence had asked for a report from his Department on this matter.