MAORIS CONCERNED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20952, 3 November 1939, Page 7

MAORIS CONCERNED

BATTALION OFFICERS INCLUSION OF EUROPEANS BREACH OF FAITH? (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday Strong resentment was felt by Maoris at the published statement that European officers were being enlisted as possible company commanders in the Maori battalion, said Sir Apirana Ngata in an interview in Wellington tonight. Sir Apirana said he had received the following telegram from Mr H. Tai Mitchell, of Rotorua:—“The Arawas view with concern and object strongly to the published statement regarding pakeha officers as company commanders in the Maori battalion. Recruiting among the Arawas has been influenced greatly by the announcement that the Maori battalion would be officered by Maoris, with the exception of key positions. “We suggest that key positions are battalion commander, adjutant, quartermaster and regimental serg-eant-major. The Arawas consider they have talent available with the ability to fill all positions. Other tribes are undoubtedly in a similar position.” Arawa Patriotism Recruiting for the Maori battalion in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty districts had been very keen and enthusiastic, said Sir Apirana. Enlistments to date were 208 single men, 34 married men with no dependants, 306 with one child, and 81 others. That was the strongest representation of any district in New Zealand. In view of the well-known patriotism of the Arawas their objection to what might be deemed a breach of faith with them and other Maori tribes was entitled to the serious consideration of the Government. Similar concern was shown in telephone messages received from the Gisborne district. Up to Wednesday recruiting in that district was little short of 250. Great resentment was shown by Maori returned soldiers, many of whom had enlisted to give the younger men of the East Coast tribes a lead in enlisting for the Maori battalion. It was proposed to bring the matter before the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, and the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, in the next day or two.