Large gathering of Maori servicemen

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32861, 9 March 1972, Page 17

Large gathering of Maori servicemen

The largest turnout of Maori former servicemen in New Zealand will assemble in Christchurch over Easter.

The occasion is the annual I national reunion of the 28th Maori Battalion Association;: but this year it will also include ail former Maori servicemen from the First World War to those who fought in Vietnam. At least 2000 are expected to attend the reunion, said the assistant secretary of the reunion committee (Mr A. K Hopa) in Christchurch this week. The last time the battalion held a reunion in Christchurch was in 1952. The venue for the reunion will be Canterbury Court where, on Easter Sunday, six or seven hangis will provide traditional Maori fare—such as oysters, pork, mutton and eels. To prepare for the reunion an organising committee of between 60 and 70 have been meeting in Christchurch for the last few months. In audition to delegates accommodated in hotels, motels and private homes at least 1000 will bed down at the showgrounds. Delegates will assemble there on Friday; on Saturday afternoon a smoke concert will be held to be followed by a ball at Canterbury Court that night. A ceremonial parade with the traditional laying of wreaths at the Citizens’ War Memorial in Cathedral Square will take place on the Sunday morning. In the afternoon will be “Maoris’ Day” when the hangis are held. At the annual conference

of the association on Sunday night consideration will be given to changing the association’s name to the 28th Maori Battalion and All Maori Servicemen’s League. Also on the agenda will be a discussion dealing with the welfare of returned Maori servicemen and the rehabilitation of those still serving.