MAORI LEADER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 58, 9 March 1944, Page 6

MAORI LEADER

HOME ON FURLOUGH

TOURING NORTH ISLAND

In a small room in Victoria Street West this afternoon, the Maori Ladies' Reception Committee entertained at dinner the officer commanding the Maori Battalion overseas, Lieutenant-Colonel Reta Keiha, M.C., and Mrs. Keiha. Lieutenant-Colonel Keiha is at present on furlough. While in New Zealand, he has handed temporary command of the Maori Battalion to Lieutenant-Colonel Fairbrother.

To-day's dinner was attended by about fifty Maoris, including a number in uniform and many old people. A generous menu featured a number of varieties of fish, vegetables and fruit.

Colonel Keiha took over command of the Maori Battalion in April, 1943, from Colonel Bennett, who was severely wounded at Takrouna. Since his arrival home he has been busy touring the North Island, visiting the relations of members of the battalion.

Colonel Keiha said he had temporarily left behind him a "[lllO lot of soldiers." They were the best friends one could command. When he had left in November last they were in the best of spirits. The parcels received by "the boys" had been greatly appreciated and the contents were looked upon as links with home. He expects to leave for the North to-morrow.

Among the members of the Maori Battalion present at to-day's dinner were Captain D. Urlich, Captain W. Ngata, Lieutenant. H. Toka, Lieutenant W. Clarke, Captain T. Manahi and Private Pat Tehina.