FINE WAR RECORD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21979, 25 March 1946, Page 2

FINE WAR RECORD

S. ISLAND_ MAORIS MANY DECORATIONS MINISTER’S TRIBUTE (P A ) CHRISTCHURCH, March 25. "The contribution made by the South Island Maoris to the war effort has been truly remarkable,” said the Native Minister, Mr, H. G. R. Mason, on Saturday, when speaking at Tuahiwi at a reception to the South Island Maoris who served in the forces. Mr. Mason said that of almost 700 men of military age about 250 had served overseas, apart from those who had enlisted in the North Island.

Mr. Mason said the young men enlisting in each centre must have appeared a handful, but when those small groups were added together and taken in relation to the total population the result was one which could not have been excelled in the British Empire, if in the world.

Approximately 500 men had enlisted, or one out of every six Maoris in the South Island, women and children included. More than 20 South Island Maoris had fallen in battle, including the son of their representative in Parliament, Mr. Tirikatene. Eight soldiers wero decorated —one with a Military Cross, one with a D.C.M., four with a Military Medal and two were mentioned in dispatches. In the Air Force at least one Distinguished Flying Cross was won.

The function was also attended by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr., D. Sullivan, representing the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, who was unable to attend, and by the Minister of Defence, Mr. F. Jones, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland.