MAORI BATTALION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 209, 2 August 1940, Page 4

MAORI BATTALION

' EXCELLENT RECRUITMENTS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Aug. 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 their pakeha brothers to share the burden of preserving their freedom and independence.

The total number of Maori males, including half-castes, between the ages 21 and 35, which for most of the recruiting period were the prescribed age limits, at the census on March 24, 1930, was 9355. The total enlistments represent approximately 43 per cent of that number, which it must be remembered, includes men who lor many reasons, such as being married and having more than two children, were ineligible for enlistment. A total of 3077 have been medically examined, and of that number 2182 have been classed as fit for overseas service. Those classified temporarily unfit and permanently unfit number 409 and 4SO. respectively. Of those classed fit 1211 have been despatched to camp and 70S are available for camp at anv time. Without taking into account the large number still to b° medically examined, there are more than sufficient men to provide for the Maori Battalion reinforcements for some time to come, and .to cover anv wastage which may occur during their training.