MAORI SOLDIERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 828, 5 October 1916, Page 2

MAORI SOLDIERS.

FINE GIFT OF LAND.

GENEROUS AND PATRIOTIC NATIVES. Prt.l.l Atsacintion. WELLINGTON, October -1. The Hon. W. 11. Hemes has re-

ceived the following telegram from the Hon. Dr Poniare, from Tokaauu, dated the 3rd insl:—

"I conferred with a representative gathering of Tuwharcteas at Waihi, Tokaanu, yesterday, and it was decided by the Te Ileuheu, Tukino, Kingi, Topia, and Tuwbaretea tribes to set aside the Oheuko block of 25,301 acres for settlement by returned Maori soldiers, irrespective of the tribe or tribes to which they belong. The land is to be an absolute gift—from the Tuwbaretea people to the Maori soldier settlers. It gives me much pleasure to be able to inform you of this great self-sacrifice made by one of our Maori tribes, and I know you will appreciate both the spirit and the national character of the same. Kia ora." The Native Minister telegraphed to the donors through Dr Pomare the thanks of the Government for the magnificent gift. The machinery enabling such gifts of land to be made use of for the purpose indicated was provided in last season's Native Washing-up Bill. The Miniser says it is most gratifying to find that the Native tribes are recognising their responsibilities to those of their race who have gone to the war, and it is to be hoped that this will be the precursor of other gifts of a similar nature. It is understood that some of the East Coast tribes have views of a similar nature. Money has also been freely subscribed by the Natives for patriotic purposes. . Yesterday Mr Hemes received £SO for patriotic funds from the chiefs of the Te Arawa tribe at Rotoiti.