Visitors Entertained by Major Dittmer and Maori Officers

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 3, 29 December 1939, Page 6

Visitors Entertained b y Major Dittmer and Maori Officers

After the service the visitors were entertained by 0.C., Major Dittmer, and the Maori officers, to a dainty and enjoyable morning tea, which was very capably supervised and dispensed by Mr. Chapple, of the Y.M.C.A. Mr. Langstone complimented Major Dittmer on the good work being done by him and his staff, and conveyed the thanks and appreciation of his Government for the loyalty of the Maoris of New Zealand as a whole, as expressed by the formation of the Maori Battalion. He concluded by wishing very man a very happy Xmas.

Mi'. Langstone also paid high tribute to the good work of the Y.M.C.A. in general and of Mr. Chapple in particular.

Sir Apirana Ngata also spoke, and stressed the point that the behaviour of the men while on Xmas leave would be a very potent recruiting force, and

appealing to them to try to inspire all their brothers at home to rally to the defence of the King, Empire and Christianity.

A further speaker was Lieut. Lou Parore, who courteosuly requested Mr. Langstone to see if his Government could do something to help the boys with regard to travelling . expenses home for Xmas leave.