THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 78, 22 May 1911, Page 2

THE TERRITORIALS.

WHAT ABOUT TOO MAORIS? Apropos (fen oral (Smiley's rcceni , i.'-ii to Wanganui, ‘and Ids Ino id explanation of the new defence scheme. gentleman urges that the yon lift .Maoris should bo given a place in the universal training scheme. At the present time, lie says, tne_ young naiives, with but few exceptions, spend their time in loafing, cigarette-smok-ing, and, as ho puts it, “doing anything but work.” He’considers that defence training would at_ least give them something to take a live interest in, would wean them tor part of tncii time at least from their loafing habits, and be better for them morally as well as physically, besides providing a defence asset of considerable value. The gentleman in question has lived in close touch with the natives for practically a lifetime, is thoroughly familial 1 with them, and can give instances within his own personal knowledge of the harm resulting to if c voung Maoris by reason of their persistence in doing nothing. A REPLY WANTED. Says the “Dunedin Star” ;—On edit that a member of the Legislature whoso connection with recent proceedings in which his Jinn were mulcted in a heavy sum for making false returns to the Taxation Department had the choice of preferment to the post of brigadier of infantry under the new Territorial scheme for the district ii which ho serves as a volunteer ofliccf or of resigning bis seat in the Legislature, and that he decided to remain a legislator. Thus the Defence Force loses a capable and energetic officer; but the question which most thinking people will ask is. Win should a man bo allowed to sit in tin Legislature under circumstances which prevent him serving Ids King and country in the important military role for which he would bo ordinarily selected, on account- of seniority and efficient service? The anomaly is so obvious as to suggest an immediate re-