NO CONSCRIPTION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 165, 15 July 1941, Page 8

NO CONSCRIPTION

XORTHERX MAORIS , VIEW (0.0 WHAXGAREI, this day. 'The Maori people are determined that the Maori Battalion overseas will be maintained at full strength and that Maoris not eligible for overseas service should train with Territorial or Home Guard units. This position was made plain by the Maori people at all the gatherings I have held in Northland, ,, said the representative of the Native Race on the Executive Council, the Hon. P K. Paikea. when speaking on the question of Maori recruiting. At all meetings the Maoris were opposed to conscription of members of their race as they considered that this step was not necessary and that more than sufficient volunteers would be forthcoming to fill all manpower requirements. He mentioned that m some of the smaller Maori settlements all available men had enlisted. He instanced Pukepoto near Kaitaia. where not one eligible man was left. It must be remembered. Mr. Paikea said, that the percentage of eligible Maoris is lower than is the case of the pakeha Maoris generally marry young and raise a large family. "During mv tour of the north 43 recruiting agents were appointed in various districts. These men will give their services voluntarily, but official advice has now been received that reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be met by IhV Government* These recruiting agents have secured a number of enlistments in both the overseas and home defence forces.