MAORIS SIGN UP

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 193, 17 August 1942, Page 4

MAORIS SIGN UP

HELPING WAR EFFORT

ORGANISED RECRUITING

All Maoris in New Zealand over the age of 14 are being asked to take an active part in the war effort. Those not already serving in some field of effort, unless medically unfit, are being recruited for the armed forces, the Home Guard, the E.P.S. or essential industries. The growing of kumaras on a large scale is another aspect of Maori war effort which is now being organised.

These facts were revealed at a meeting held in Auckland yesterday. Over 500 city Maoris who attended were addressed by Sir Apirana Ngata. and Mr. M. Tawhi, who told how a Maori War Effort Council had been set up in Wellington comprising the Maori members of Parliament, with the Minister in Charge of Maori War Effort, Mr. P. K. Paikea, as chairman.

It was explained that Lieutenant W. P. Clark had been appointed Maori recruiting officer in Auckland, and that he was going thoroughly into Hie question. Those attending the meeting were asked to give particulars of their individual war effort.

Referring to the plan for the growing of kumaras, it was pointed out that a total of 2000 tons of kumaras annually was aimed at, and that Auckland was expected to supply a considerable quota. The Department of Agriculture would provide equipment and prepare the ground, while the Maoris would be asked to plant and care for the vegetables. The only difficulty in Auckland was the obtaining of ground, and an appeal was made to landowners to grant the use of their land for the work.

The meeting decided to take up the question of providing a suitable hostel in the city to provide eating and sleeping accommodation for Maoris on leave from the armed forces and other Maoris needing the accommodation.