MAORIS’ GIFT

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21599, 9 December 1941, Page 4

MAORIS’ GIFT

CHEQUE FOR £SOO PART TO GO TO BATTALION SICK AND WOUNDED The Ngaruawahia Maori subcentre of the Waikato Red Cross centre has handed over a cheque for £SOO to the centre. The sub-centre is under the patronage of King Koroki and is directed by the president, Princess Te Puea Herangi. By arrangements with Red Cross headquarters and the National Patriotic Fund Board, portion of the money is to be remitted direct to the regimental funds of the Maori Battalion overseas and used by the Battalion to provide comforts for the men in the fighting zone. Some of the money will be applied in meeting the special requirements of Maori sick and wounded and Maori prisoners of war, while the distressed through enemy action in the United Kingdom will also benefit by the donation.

“When it is considered,” said Mr A. E. Gibbons, president of the Waikato Red Cross centre, “that the Waikato Maoris are less fortunately endowed with worldly means than most of the Maori people in New Zealand, it speaks volumes for their properly directed endeavour under Princess Te Puea Herangi and the Maoris’ resolve to share the sacrifice in the war effort. The deeds of the Maori Battalion in Greece, and Crete and Libya have established for them an enviable reputation, and the work of the sub-centre is an inspiration to others. Under the Red Cross the Waikato and Maniapoto Maoris have found a happy medium through which to give a practical expression of their determination to assist in the war effort and their achievements are deserving of the highest approbation.”