Maoris To Provide Aid For Vietnam

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30952, 7 January 1966, Page 3

Maoris To Provide Aid For Vietnam

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 6. The 400 Maori tribal committees in New Zealand are being asked by the New Zealand Maori Council to provide at least one medical kit each for a Vietnam village.

The latest issue of the council’s newsletter says that thousands of Vietnamese are suffering in what must seem to them to be a never-ending conflict. “New Zealand has not been able to stand on the sidelines in this fight Many feel that by sending troops we are protecting ourselves from dangers that could otherwise come closer to home. There is some opposition from people who believe that our soldiers should not be there at all, but everyone is agreed that the people who continue to suffer need our help. “There is a great shortage of medical supplies in Vietnam. A medical kit that can be used by the villagers costs about £l2. Members of Maori committees are asked to think what they can do to share their season of happiness and plenty, and each committee will be asked to raise enough money for at least one kit. The council will see that they are sent where they are most needed,” says the newsletter. The secretary of the council (Mr J. M. Booth) said to-

day that a campaign would be launched to further the scheme and that the International Red Cross and C.0.R.5.0. would be asked to distribute the kits.