MAORI RECRUITS

Grey River Argus, 2 August 1940, Page 5

MAORI RECRUITS

TOTAL OVER 4000. WELLINGTON, August 1. The total number of enlistments for the Maori Battalion and reinforcements to July 22, when voluntary recruiting ceased,' was 4103. This includes 213 enlistments on July 22. The response of the Maori population to the appeal for volunteers has been particularly gratifying, and shows that the members of the Maori race are at least as ready as then Pakeha brothers to share the ourcie.'*. of preserving freedom and independence.

The total' number of Maori males, including half-castes, between the ages of 21 and 35, which for most of the recruiting period were the prescribed age limits, at the census taken on March 24, 1936, was 9355. The total enlistments represent approximately 43 per cent, of that number, which, it must be remembered, includes men who for many reasons, such as being married and having more than two children, were ineligible for enlistment. A total of 3077 have been medically examined. Of that number, 2182 have been classed as fit for overseas service. Those classified as temporarily unfit and permanently unlit numbci 409 and 386 respectively. Of those classed fit, 1211 have been despatched to camp, and 708 are available for camp at any time. Wtihout taking into account the large number still to be medically examined, there are more than su.vtcient men to provide for the Maori Battalion reinforcements for some time to come, and to cover any wastage which may occur during their training. MEDICAL BOARD. Twenty-nine recruits for the E-*~ peditionary Force were med'cally examined at Greymouth yesjerday. Twenty-five were passed as fit, three were permanently unfit and one was temporarily unfit.