MAORIS AND THE WAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12245, 18 February 1918, Page 6

MAORIS AND THE WAR.

NO BALLOT LIKELY IN SOUTH,

ISLAND,

At railway stations and post offices m the northern part of the Smith Island, Mr 11. Partita, one of the candidates for the Southern Maori electorate, saw notices stating that Maoris of the First Division must register for enrolment.

Mr P a rata sent a telegram to the Minister for Defence, inquiring as to the position, and ho received the following reply: “ Tlie proclamation directs the enrolment of all First Division Maoris throughout the Dominion. It is only intended, however, to take a ballot in those recruiting districts where required. It is not likely that .any ballot will he taken in the South' Island, u.s the Maoris there have enlisted so well voluntarily.”

Mr Parata expressed an opinion today that tlie Minister’s telegram had greatly eased the position amongst the South Island Maoris. It would he very unwise, he said, to bring about, anything in the nature of a, clash with the law. The spirit amongst tho Maoris of the South Island was demonstrated by the fact that 75 per cent of tlie eligible men .amongst them had enlisted.