MAORI SOLDIERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23997, 21 June 1941, Page 12

MAORI SOLDIERS

NEEDED OVERSEAS

ARAVVAS SPEAK OUT

RECRUITING CALL CRITICISED (0.C.) KOTORUA, Friday Strong disapproval of the recruiting propaganda conducted by the Hon. P. K. Paikea, member of the Executive Council representing the Native Race, was expressed by the executive of the Arawa Returned Soldu'rs' League. 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 o! this country,'" said a statement issued alter a meeting of the executive, "ft cannot be denied that Maori volunteers for the Territorial Force can lie written oft as being lost to the Maori Battalion overseas. Once he dons the uniform of the Territorial Force, he will have every right to assume t lie smug complacency of a man doing duty to the Iti I lest extent, so why volunteer tor overseas service' He has fulfilled the call as broadcast and printed. "T say to you the dcleuoe 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 ot Mr. Paikea. "Tins is a clarion call wo heartily echo, hut we say delete the word 'territorial' and insert 'overseas sen ice.'

The recent news of the gallant actions of the Maori Battalion had strengthened the will and resolution ot tin- Maori youth, aud enlistments for overseas service had been greatest when the Maori casualty lists were heaviest, stated Mr. L. Morrison, secretary of the Arawa Returned Soldiers' League. Mr. Paikea wilt bo visiting Tokaanu this week-end, and it is planned to invite him to include Rotorua in his tour so that the Arawa people in general as well as the Arawa Returned Soldiers' League can have the opportunity to place their views before him.