Paikea Strikes Wrong Note In Recruiting Appeal

Northern Advocate, 21 June 1941, Page 6

Paikea Strikes Wrong Note In Recruiting Appeal

rSpecial to “Northern Advocate”! ROTORUA, This Day. The executive of the Arawa ’Returned Soldiers’ League has expressed strong disapproval of the recruiting propaganda conducted by the Hon. P. K. Paikea, member of the Executive Council representing the native race and M.P. for Northern Maori. It was contended that, while the call to service should be supported, emphasis should be on overseas service and not, as in broadcast addresses and pamphlets of Mr. Paikea, on territorial service.

“It has always been the contention of the league that the defence of these shores is in the front line overseas, the fall of which spells the doom of this country,” said a statement issued after the meeting.

Should Be For Overseas

“It cannot be denied that Maori volunteers for the territorial force can be written off as being lost to the Maori Battalion overseas.

Once he dons the uniform of the territorial force, lie will have every right to assume the smug complacency of a man doing his duty to the fullest extent, so why volunteer for overseas service ? He has fulfilled the call as broadcast and printed.

“ ‘I say to you the defence of your own country, of your homes, your parents, your wives and children, and in fact your freedom and liberty is calling you to duty, and your duty is to join the territorial forces,’ ” continued the statement, quoting a pamphlet issued under the name of Mr. Paikea. “This is a clarion call we heartily echo, but we say delete the word ‘territorial’ and insert ‘overseas service’.”