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Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XVII, Issue 5607, 2 May 1919, Page 2

Some of the requisites for fighting tin t iccent epidemic in 'Wanganui came tc light at the meeting' of the borougl cjouuciil this week in consequence of tin. Government declining any liability in regard to certain accounts. “The first item is £6 7s 7d for cigarettes and tobacco,” said the Mayor (reports the Chronicle). '"The next item is two pairs of ‘ladies’ boots at 29s 6d a pair, although I do not know what part of the treatment they were used for. The s third item is £1 5s for a wristlet watch. - The Government has queried that, too. Perhaps it was used for timing pulses. ' Councillor Ha-.kncss; “Will the borough 1 have to pay The Mayor (resignedly): “I don’t know what to do with them. The councillors accepted the position philosophically one member asking if the borough would, get the boots; Councillor Gower finally moved that the accounts be paid, and as this was apparently the only solution of the problem. the motion was carried without any display of enthusiasm. Councilloi I.uxford: “But don't let it occur again.” An interesting and hitherto nypub lished incident in connection with the late Wri Pore was related to a Herald representative by the Hon. S.r James Carroll. At the outbreak of war strong representations were made to the Government respecting the services of a Maori contingent, to which, however, i.he authorities wore somewhat indifferent. A deputation, comprising Ludv Carroll, the Hon. A- T. Ngata, W Pcre, Tc Hen Hen, and himself ,wai:od upon the Defence Minister at Wellington when it was proposed to accept 2of Maoris for garrison duty at Samoa. Wi Pere, however, was highly indignant,, and strenuously urged the ac ccptance of 2000 Maori soldiers. As to their services being utilised at Samoa, he would not entertain the idea of then being som there to “eat bananas.” 1! the Maori soldiers were to go. they wore to leave, as a fighting force to face the enemies of the King. Ultimately, by way of compromise, the Government agreed to accept 500 Maoris, and after-, wards, when the call came fo r “men and still more men.” the late Wi Pore with others, organised a recruiting cam paign, which secured reinforcements foi , the Maori contingent.