Spirits High As North Maoris Farewelled

Northern Advocate, 25 January 1940, Page 6

Spirits High As North Maoris Farewelled

“|£AMATE ! KAMATE !”

From a carriage platform vonng warriors gave vent to their feelings in the rousing Ngapuhi haka. friends farewelling them on the station joining in.

It was the occasion today of the departure of the Northland contingent for the special Maori Battalion, and spirits were high. • Soaking rain was falling when the 'Whangarei party assembled at the Drill Hall, and, regretfully, the march through the streets had to be abandoned.

There was more life than usual at the Drill Hall, resounded to the singing of “Ilaere Ra.’’ the farewell song,

which

Immediately the order was given to “fall in,” however, the young Maoris passed from citizen to soldier in a trice, and the stillness was unbroken except for the roll call.

Every Volunteer Present < Every volunteer was present and the Whangarei party was increased to 34 by the arrival of a few from as far north as Rangiahua, who originally intended to join the train farther north. The same remarkable response was given everywhere. At Kaitaia one man did not turn up in time, but another gladly stepped in to take his place, so that the Northland quota, largest hi New Zealand, would be complete. All told, 217 proceeded to Palmerston North Camp today. Physically, no finer body of men has ever left for war service. Flower of Their Race Bred in the traditions of Hone Heke, Hongi, and Kawhiti. and many actually descended from these famous fighting chiefs, the young men were the flower of their race. Most of them had supplemented their natural physique by participation in manly sports, and Northland Rugby clubs will have many gaps in their membership after today. Typical is the case of Whangaruru, where 10 out of the 15, led by Mr J. Martin, the ex-Northland forward. are donning khaki instead of jerseys.

On behalf of the citizens, the Deputy Mayor of Whangarei (Mr J W. Parkin), congratulated the Maori soldiers on readily recognising their responsibility to defend freedom.

The achievements of the previous Maori forte in fighting side by side with their pakeha brothers would be forever gratefully remembered, and he was sure that the traditions of the pioneers were in good hands today. Big Crowd of Well Wishers Wherever the Maori troops went overseas they would be well received and given a good time. He trusted that the health of the soldiers would be good and that they would return safely. The National Anthem terminated the civic farewell. By this time a surprisingly large number of well-wishers, both Maori and pakeha, had assembled at the station. One elderly wahine, as proud and dignified in her bearing as the troops themselves, went around giving the hongi salute, completing it with the warmest English salutation.

Popular Officer Today’s party was in charge of Major H. G. Dyer, who has relinquished his command of No. 3 Military Area to join the Maori Battalion as an officer. His popularity with the men could be jigged by the. warm reception accorded him when he addressed them for a few moments at the Drill Hall. Mr M. Coughlan, supervisor Native Department, Kaitaia, was in charge of the Far Northern party, and Sergeant H. Croft took over at the railhead. With ’rain cascading down in torrents, a last-minute alteration in plans was necessary. It was then that the North Auckland Bus Coy. made a fine gesture of patriotism, providing two buses free of cost for transport to the station. Packed Into Buses Both the townspeople, many of whom had gathered in the streets to pay tribute to the brave, and the recruits, were disappointed that abandonment of the march was necessary, but with such a long journey ahead of them, it was much better that the men should arrive at the train dry and comfortable They packed into one bus, some of their friends joining the Municipal Silver Band in another. Waves and cheers were exchanged as the procession travelled along Walton Street, the band, in its cramped quarters striking up “Tipperary” and other lively tunes. Conductor J. Dobson stood in the moving bus beating the time with one hand and strap hanging with another. Undeterred by the rain, a group of four Maori girls, picking their way along the flooded footpath in railway road, stopped to jump in the air in their excitement and wave kisses and the cheeriest of good-byes.

Best Traditions Kept “The Whangarei Returned Soldiers Association desires me to say to you how much it appreciates your action in volunteering for active service, side by side with your pakeha brothers,” said Lieut-Col. H. C. Hemphill, in a moving farewell address. “Your action is in keeping with the best traditions of the Maori people. “To the young Maori, I would sayfollow the high traditions of your forefathers. “Do not be satisfied to live on their reputation, nor the good reputation of the first Maori battalion in the last war, but be determined from the outset, to still add to the good name of the Maori people. “With the splendid officers posted to your battalion and by your individual and collective endeavour, I feel sure you will give a good account of yourselves. Show the way to your pakeha brothers. Advice for Waitangi “Many of us hope to see you at Waitangi. “There all eyes will be upon you and, to a great extent, the Maori people and the Maori battalion in particular, will be judged by distinguished overseas visitors. “See to it on that historic occasion that the high standard set by your forefathers is not forgotten for they are ever remembered for their dig- - nity and politeness. *; “It is not necessary, however, for ;: t you to remember all the outstanding

• ' .virtues of your forefathers. X; “The young Maori may not know that in the Maori War, food was sup- • plied by order of the Maori chiefs to 'V the British soldiers to enable the I- British red-coats to put up a good fight. - “I suggest to you that such -out- “ standing chivalry may not be 1 necessary on this occasion. >'■ “To those of the Maori people who 'V\ are assembled here to bid you goodS bye, I would say, knowing the tradi- • tions of the Maori race, that you would V* not have it otherwise, and that you I , are proud indeed of these boys who have so readily and voluntarily answered the Empire’s call. ~- "«The Returned Soldiers’ Association say to the members of the Maori Battalion, “Kia ora, haera ra.”

With a full-throated roar the larger contingent of Far Northerners signified their arrival as the express pulled in. Request to Elders On their trip towards camp, these men had been in the highest possible spirits, joining in happy choruses and expressing their determination to carry bravely the mantle of the warrior Ngapuhis. “To mix with the men in the train was most stimulating,” said Mr Lou Davis. “Their only request was that the elders ensure that the people they were leaving behind would do their bit, both on the home front and in providing reinforcements.” It is apparent that the Maori, more so than the pakeha, has sunk his differences —tribal, .. political and religious—and is a united people when confronted by war. The word “Waitangi” was overheard on many lips. Ex-Soldier’s Advice. “Today you are going away in keeping with the spirit of the Treaty,” said Mr Tahi Rau Moana, who delivered an impromptu address on behalf of Maori Ex-Servicemen just before the train departed. “In the world overseas a race is judged largely on the bearing of its fighting men. “Uphold the dignity of the Maori people and the exploits of the First Maori Battalion.” Mr Moana expressed appreciation of the large number of pakehas who had come to join in the farewell and, paid an especial tribute to the band. “We must win,” was his concluding admonition. There were a few wet eyes as a forest of arms waved good-bye, but pride in the proven calibre of their manhood was the predominant emotion among the Maoris, a pride which was shared by the whites as well.