NEW ZEALAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 13, 2 September 1914, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

SHALL ViE SEND MAORIS?

[Pee Pazss AaßociAXiON.]

Wcliingon, September 1

When the House of Representatives mot this evening, Hr G. M. Thomson asked the Premier whether, in view of the fact that Indian troops were to be employed by the British Government in Europe, ho would consider the question of accepting the services of Maoris.

In reply, Hon. Mr Massey said he had a good deal of sympathy with tin? suggestion. He had always understood it was the custom not to employ colored troops in a European war, but now that the Indians were going the position was changed. The -Maoris were free citizens, and should bo allowed to. share in British citizenship, and not bo denied the right to light for the Empire. He would make representations to the Governor on the subject. Sir Joseph Ward said it appeared that a relaxation of the restrictions which the Maoris were previously placed under might well bo given effect to. Hon. A. T. Xgata said that there was undoubtedly a desire on the part of the Maoris to stand shoulder to shoulder with their fellow New Zealanders in the war, hut he pointed this out: The Maoris lived mostly in areas which were exempt from military training, and although the Maori was as enthusiastic as the pakeha, he had greater need for training. The Maori was well equipped in minor qualifications of the soldier, especially so *.n the matter of commissariat, but they needed teaching how to use a gun and obey the words of command. The Arawas had offered JOG men, and the Wairoas had offered a contingent. He Imped to accompany the troops in a humble position. MCA! RE DAIRY FACTORY. The annual meeting of shaitHiolders yesterday voted to the Patriotic Fund a sum equal to one-half per cent, of the value of (be output, and collections were taken up in the room for the St. John’s Red Cross Society ami for the Belgian Relief Hum!.