MAORI BATTALION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17130, 8 April 1919, Page 8

MAORI BATTALION.

MEN LEAVTRG FOR HOMES. I

ONLY 100 STILL IN DOMAIN.

HOTELS "OUT OF BOUNDS."

Tbe Maori Pioneer Battalion, which arrived at Auckland from the front on Sunday is gradually being disbanded. A special train left Auckland at 7 a.m. yesterday with 270 men, and about 160 relatives" and friends, for the Botorua, Thames, and Paeroa districts. The Kotorua quota reached their destination at i p,n and were enthusiastically received. A number also travelled by the morning train to Helensville. and to Whangarei by steamer last -flight. Of the total ol 1000 soldiers who arrived, there are now only about 100 in camp in the Domain, and these, with some next-of-kin. will leave, for their destinations to-day and tomorrow, by which time it is anticipated the camp will be cleared. \ll the arrangements in connection with the camp were carried out satisfactorily, those catered for expressing themselves in bitfhlv appreciative terms cf the manner in which tbe\ were entertained. Hotels in the city and vicinity were declared " nut of hounds " to all Maori troops in uniform at noon yesterday. This order, which was issued by the Defence Department, expires at 6 p.m. to-mor-row. Anv Maori soldier in uniform found in hotel bars between these hours will be immediately arrested by the military authorities and severely dealt with. The officer commanding the Auckland Military District requests licensees of hotels to assist him in regard to the order.