FOR HONOUR AND FREEDOM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16026, 18 September 1915, Page 9

FOR HONOUR AND FREEDOM.

SHARE IN THE GREAT FIGHT.

STIRRING ADDRESSES.

IDEALS AND TRADITIONS. In addressing tho Maori troops from rcntemporary platform outside the Town Hall the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, said they were about to take their part in the great fight for freedom and honour. (Applause.) They came to the citv a few weeks ago to fit themselves for the occasion, and he desired, on behalf of the citizens, to congratulate them on the excellence of their behaviour throughout that period. (Applause.) Their conduct had been exemplary, and they left with the goodwill, affection, and esteem of the citizens of Auckland. His hearers knew what the war meant. They knew that Britain preferred war to peace with disand the Maori soldiers were to fight with their pakeha brethren for the principles of ri<:ht and justice for which Britain had always stood. (Applause.) He referred to the brave deeds of the first Maori contingent, and said that all felt sure that, as worthy representatives of j the race, they would play their part with j no loss bravery and courage, and would j reflect honour upon this fair land of New | Zealand. (Cheers.) The magnificent fighting qualities of the j Maori of the past generation were exj tolled by the Mayor, who expressed his conviction that the members of the present day contingents had inherited their ancient spirit and determination. He i thought it was a good omen that the fareI well gathering took place under the , shadow of the statue of Sir George Grey, i a friend of the Empire and a real friend ! of the forefathers of the Maori warriors of | to-day. Could he have seen, Purely Sir | George would have been pleased to" gote j that the sons of his old friends were going ! to do battle for the Empire, to which he was so closely attached. The native soldiers were going to show their appreciation of the protection which -the British Empire had afforded them. He counselled them to be brave, strong, and courageous. They must remember that tho people would always be thinking of "them. (Cheers.) ! Gentlemen in Khaki. • Colonel J. E. Hume, officer commandl ing the Auckland Military District, urged j the Maoris to remember that their disand thereby their efficiency, would

depend to a very great extent upon the personal influence of the officers over the men. He wanted them to consider the fact that they would have a. certain proportion of rough times, for they -would not receive the little comforts they had become used to in the training camp. The officers should remember that what was good enough for the men was good enough for them, too. (Hear, hear.) All of tEem wore the King's uniform, which carried with it the strictest obligations of honour and chivalry. The natives had born in them the highest ideals and traditions of a noble and fighting race, and it was for them to maintain them. Let them not forget that their brothers had set a high standard for them to attain, and when they went alongside the British soldier, they must remember their position and the obligations they had to fulfil. The Maoris had done remarkably well in their short- period of training. Their camp had proved a great success, and that was due to the camp commandant and the officers. (Applause). There was one officer who was feeling very sad. That was Captain Peacock, whose health would not permit him to accompany the contingent, but he would be at the front a little later on. Colonel Hume complimented the men on their splendid behaviour. As a body of men, they had behaved like gentlemen in khaki. (Applause). That was what was expected of the British soldier. It always had been, and always must be. " I say good-bye, and kia ora," the colonel concluded. amidst loud cheering.

"Going to Make History." Mr. C. H. Poole, M.P., said the association in this war of all t.he various races which made up the British Empire was another demonstration of its solidarity. , Mr. A. E. Glover. M.P., said he was sure that when the Maoris left the land of their birth they would perform their duties faithfully and welL Mr. J. S. Dickson, M.P., congratulated the members of the continent on going to the front under the Union Jack, and conveyed to them the unstinted good wishe? of the city. "We know you are coin? to make history," remarked Mr. A. Harris, M.P., in addressing the Maoris. " The Empire is going to emerge victorious from the war. and we believe that the Maori contingents are going to take a large part in that victory." (Applause). At the call of the Mayor, three cheers were given for the Maoris, and the National Anthem was sung before the gathering dispersed.

FRIENDS AT DEVOHFORT. WARM LEAVE-TAKING. Despite the threatening nature of the weather, large crowds assembled at Devonport to say good-bye to the Maoris, •who have made themselves very popular during their stay in the marine borough. Bunting was lavishly displayed on the principal buildings, and there was much cheering as the natives . marched down Victoria Road to the Ferry Wharf, which was also crowded.

In a speech of farewell to the members of the contingent prior to their embarkation on the Condor, the Mayor of Devonport, Mr. A. M. Pickford. said that tie citizens of the borough could not allow them to leave without complimentary mention of the fine •way in which they had behaved during their stay. (Cheers.) The Maoris arrived a few weeks ago as strangers, and they now left behind them j many friends. (Hear, hear.) They were J admired because of their conduct at Devonport as citizens, and all honed to see them on their return. The Maoris had also gained immense approval in the borough by the respect they had invariably shown to ladies. (Cheers.) At the instance of the Mavor, three hearty cheers were given for. the Maoris, and the cheers were reciprocated at the call of Captain H. Peacock. The contingent then embarked on the ferry steamer. There was much waving of handkerchiefs as the vessel left the •wharf.