THE DOMINION'S FORGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15749, 26 October 1914, Page 7

THE DOMINION'S FORGES.

MAORI CONTINGENT.

INSPECTION BY MINISTER.

GOOD ADVICE TO THE MEN.

THE WORK IN THE CAMP.

The Maori contingent is undergoing active training in the camp at the Avondale racecourse, and although many of the men have only been under canvas for a few days, their knowledge of drill and military tactics already shows marked improvement.

Saturday was an important day at the J camp, for in the morning the Minister for Defence, the Hon. James Allen, paid his first visit. In his party were also Colonel Robin, general officer commanding the New Zealand forces, Colonel C. T. Major, D.5.0.. officer commanding the Auckland military district, Colonel Patterson, Major MaeDonald, and others. For some time the Minister was an interested spectator of seven groups of soldiers busy at squad drill, and later the troops were drawn up for inspection. Mr. Allen took the opportunity to address the men and to impress upon them the importance of the duties they had undertaken in volunteering for service abroad.

The Minister said he was proud of the fact that the Dominion was the first of the overseas possessions, with the exception of India, to raise a body of natives at this critical period. He earnestly urged the men to acquit themselves in such a manner while in Egypt or in any other country to which Earl Kitchener might decide to send them, that on their return to New Zealand they might be proudly met as men who had done their duty to the Empire, fearlessly and well. The Government and people wished to feel that they could repose the utmost confidence in them, and the troops would be well equipped, well trained, and selfreliant. As far as the training went, that j would depend entirely on themselves. The I Government had given them of their best in the way of officers and instructors. It rested with the .men themselves to profit iby that instruction. They might even turn out better soldiers than their pakeha brothers if they chose. At the conclusion of his speech, three hearty cheers were given for the Minister and the Maoris performed a haka, much to the delight of the visitors. General leave was granted in the afternoon, most of the men taking the opportunity to visit the city. Captain Peacock, officer commanding the camp, stated yesterday that he was more than pleased with the men under his command. He was very gratified with the progress they had already made, and felt sure they would do credit to all concerned. He stated that the average height of the men was sft 9iin, while their average chest measurement was rather more than 40in.

Yesterday only necessary work was carried out at the camp, divine service taking the place of the usual routine. The Roman Catholic members of the force marched to the Avondale cnurch. The Church of England service was held in the camp by Archdeacon Hawkins and the Rev. Wepiha Wainohu. The service was conducted in Maori, the singing of the men being a feature. In another part of the camp at the same hour, the veteran missionary to the Maoris, the Rev. W. Gittos, held a service for the Wesleyan troopers. Services over, the men were dismissed for the day, and were at liberty to entertain their friends and amuse themselves as they wished. The camp was thrown open to visitors from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., a large number of persons availing themselves of the opportunity of inspecting it.

FINE BODY OF MEN.

MINISTER'S APPROVAL.

WELL-ARRANGED CAMP.

The composition of the Maori contingent made a very favourable impression upon the. Minister for Defence. " There is the raw material of a fine body of soldiers in the contingent," Mr. Allen remarked on his return from the camp on Saturday, ''and with diligent training, they should be able to take their place beside the highly trained troops of Egypt. Even in the short time the men have been in camp very good results have been obtained." Mr. Allen found that many of the men are eld scholars of St. Stephens. Te Aute, Clareville. the Otaki mission school, and other schools for Maori boys. Some of them held the ranks of

non-commissioned officers in the school cadet companies, and are finding that training of value. One of the Maoris has already been appointed to a lieutenancy, and Mr. Allen said that probably all the subalterns would be Maoris. At present he could not say whether any of them would be promoted to the rank of captain. ' Ihe contingent is thoroughly representative of the younger generation of the Maoris," Mr. Allen remarked. Referring to the request made by a deputation from the men that the whole contingent should be sent to Egypt, and opportunity given, if possible, to go to "the front," Mr. Allen explained that the arrangement that a contingent of Maoris should be formed for service in Egypt was made by the Imperial authorities, in response to the offer of native troops. The force had been doubled by the New Zealand Government with the object of sending men to Samoa, to relieve those members of the garrison who desired to volunteer for service in the drafts for reinforcing the main expeditionary force. It was still possible 'that the arrangements might be varied by the Imperial authorities. Warm approval was expressed by Mr. Allen of the camp arrangements at Avondale, and in this connection he expressed his appreciation of the Avondale Jockey Club's kindness in placing its property at the disposal of the Department for the camp. " All the arrangements are exceedingly good." said Mr. Allen, "and I did not find anything of any moment to criticise." He added that"a serviceable uniform has been provided for the men while they are in training, and that the regulation equipment will be provided before the contingent is despatched."

MAINTAINING THE FORCE.

SMALL DRAFT EVERY MONTH.

VOLUNTEERS FROM SAMOA.

A desire has been expressed by some of the men in the garrison force at Samoa that they should be permitted to volunteer for sen-ice in Europe, and an assurance was given by the Minister for Defence on Saturday "that the desired opportunity will be given to them. He explained that half the Maori contingent now in training at Avondale has been formed for garrison duty in Samoa, and when it is ready for service up to 250 men will be relieved to enable them to join drafts despatched to reinforce the main expeditionary force.

Mr. Allen stated that the first reinforcement draft, now training at Trentharn, will be despatched in a few weeks to receive further training in England, before proceeding to the front. This'dratt comprises 20 per cent, of the strength of the main body, and smaller drafts will be despatched every month to maintain the New Zealand force at its full strength. The present arrangement is that each body of troops will receive a certain amount of training in New Zealand, and further training in England, to prepare them to fill the gaps caused by the wastage" of active service. HERALD PATRIOTIC FUND. TOTAL OF £9767 RECEIVED. Additional donations to the Herald Patriotic Fond on Saturday, brought the total sum subscribed to £9767 13s lOd. Details of the latest contributions are as follows : — i £ s. d. : National Insurance Company's employees, third monthly contribution ".. 4 3 2 T. M. Cawkwell. Whangarei ... 3 0 0 Weekly Contribution, ' 10s ; E.G., 10s; Hard Times, Waihopo, ss. I ACTIVITY IN THE COUNTRY. PUKEKOHE'S FINE RESPONSE. Activity in regard to the various war funds is being maintained in the country districts. The members of the committee of the Pukekohe Patriotic Fund, who, at the outset of the collecting campaign, set themselves the task of obtaining £1000 in the borough, have accomplished their object, the fund having reached a grand total of £1018 14s 4d. Of this amount the sum of £800 has been paid into the Empire Defence Fund.' Wellington ; £100 to the Lady Liverpool Fund ; and £100 has been applied to the equipping of local members of the expeditionary force. It has been decided to retain the balance subscribed for the relief of any local distress which may arise as a result of the war. The fund is still open, and is being administered by the Mayor and town clerk of Pukekohe, who are acting in the capacity of hon. treasurer and hon. secretary res'>a««vely. The committee of the Waihi Empire Defence Fund has forwarded a further remittance of £162 to the Postmaster-Gen-eral, making the total so far remitted £886. There remains on deposit at the Savings Bank a sum of £442.