MAORI BATTALION

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 November 1939, Page 8

MAORI BATTALION

PAKEHA OFFICERS RESENTED.

(per press association.]

WELLINGTON, Noveipjier 2,

Strong resentment wgs felt by Maoris at the statement that European officers were being enlisted as possible company commanders in the Maori battalion, said Sir Apirana Ngata, in an interview in Wellington to-night. Sir Apirana said that lie had received the following telegram from Mr. H. Tai Mitchell, Rotorua; “The Arawas view with concern and object strongly to the Press statement regarding pakeha officers as company commanders in the Maori battalion. Recruiting among the Arawas was influenced greatly by the announcement that the Maori battalion would be officered by Maoris with the exception of key positions. I suggest that the key positions are battalion commander, adjutant, quartermaster, and regimental sergeant-major. The Arawas consider that'they have talent available with the ability to fill all positions. Other tribes are undoubtedly in a similar position.” Recruiting for the Maori battalion in the Rotorua and -Bay of Plenty districts had been very keen and enthusiastic, said Sir Apirana. Enlistments to date were 208 single men, 34 married men with no dependents, 30 with one child, and 81 others, a total of 353. That was the strongest representation of any district in New Zealand. In view of the well-known patriotism of the Arawas, as exemplified by the figures mentioned, their objection to what might be deemed a breach of faith with them and the other Maori tribes was entitled to the serious consideration of the Government. Similar concern was shown in telephone messages received from the Gisborne district. Up to Wednesday the recruiting in that district was a little short of 250. Great, resentment was shown by Maori returned soldiers, many of whom had enrolled to give the younger men of the East Coast tribes a lead in enlisting for the Maori battalion. It was proposed to bring the matter before the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) and the Prime Minister (Mr. Savage) in the next day or two.