MAORI WAR EFFORT

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23881, 25 February 1943, Page 4

MAORI WAR EFFORT

NEW ORGANISATION IN CANTERBURY

A conference of tribal delegates was held in Christchurch yesterday under the chairmanship of Mr Vernon Thomas, when the following were appointed an executive provincial committee, to aid the Maori war effort:— Chairman, Mr Thomas; secretary, Mr W. Couch, of Rapaki: Mrs Hariata Baker and Mr R. Phillips (Christchurch), Messrs M. Waaka and W. Mihaka (Temuka-Arowhenua-Timaru); W. Tarata and S. Ruru (Port Levy), Miss T. T. Meihana and Mr I. Weepu (Ruru), Messrs T. Robinson and J. Mokena (Akaroa), D. Manihera and G. M. Tikao (Rapaki), W. D. Barrett and H. J. Pitama (Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi), R. Te M. Taiaroa and A. K. Hopa (Kaia-poi-Tuahiwi), H. M. Tekahuariki and W. Poharama (Kaikoura).

Pians were considered to establish an effective organisation in the districts represented. Information as to what had been accomplished by the North Island Maoris was given by Mr Thomas, who said that 3017 acres of maize, estimated to yield 126,590 bushels, were under cultivation by Maoris, also 307 acres of kumaras (3331 tons), 927 acres of potatoes (4031 tons), 18 acres of peas (1000 pecks). 12 acres of beans (420 bushels), 36 acres of green vegetables (176 tons), 15 acres of pumpkins (180 tons), and 17,0001b of agar seaweed. “All these quantities are over and above the Maoris’ own requirements,” he said. It was estimated that 16,759 Maoris were serving in the defence forces, said Mr Thomas, including overseas units and the Home Guard, and 10,825 men were in essential industries> making a total of 27,584 serving New Zealand. In addition, more than £30.000 had been contributed to the war effort in cash by different tribes.