THE MAORI CONTINGENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1915, Page 2

THE MAORI CONTINGENT.

MR. WILLIAMS NOT REQUIRED. By Telegraph.—Press Association Wellington, Last Night. Apropos of the statement issued by the Minister of Defence in regard to Mr. K. S. Williams, of Waiapu, who had offered to serve with the Maori contingent now at tho front, the Hons. Dr. Pomare and A. T. Ngata have made the following statement on behalf of the Maori contingent committee, which has acted as an advisory body to the Minister of Defence in regard to the recruiting of the Maori contingent and reinforcements; — "Mr. K. S. Williams, some time in the month of May, offered for service at the front and in particular with the Maori contingent, should the services of anyone who had knowledge and experience of the Maoris be required. ,The committee could not avail itself at that time of Mr. Williams' offer, although it was recognised that there were few men so well qualified for special duty with tho Maoris as Mr. Williams. During August, however, General Godley cabled to the Minister of Defence, and asked that someone with experience and knowledge of the Maoris should be sent from New Zealand. Although the wisdom of the step was questioned from this end, the General again cabled, and it was then that the committee advised the Minister of Defence that iie should avail himself of Mr. Williams' offer, and Mr. Williams was accordingly notified to report this week for special duty with the Maori contingent. Now it appears that in the meantime, owing, no doubt, to the •pressure of circumstances at the front, General Gpdley had attached the Maoris to the New Zealand infantry brigade, ' and now cables that Mr. Williams' services will not be required. The committee recognises that Mr. Williams has been put to great inconvenience, and hastens to acknowledge his readiness to serve, and to sacrifice'a large business and several important local positions."