MAORI PATRIOTISM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 120, 7 February 1940, Page 4

MAORI PATRIOTISM

Wholeheartedly and with that spirit of enthusiasm which has ever characterised their intense patriotism to the British Crown, the Matatua Maoris at Ruatoki and elsewhere have voluntarily levied upon all eligible adults a contribution of half a crown a month for the duration of the war. The money so collected will constitute a fund for the benefit of the local Maori boys who have taken up arms in the cause of freedom, but is not strictly limited to this end. Any surplus will from time to time be allocated as the special committee adeems fit. Already some 800 Maoris in the Ruatoki district have pledged their co-operation in this respect. Last week-end the Maoris of Poroporo, Paroa and the Whakatane area followed Ruatoki's lead, and it is anticipated that Te Teko will have no hesitation in falling' into line The complete total will include some 1600 wage-earning- or actively engaged adults. District collectors have been appointed and from the above figures it will be seen that a very substantial sum will accumulate in a comparatively short time. Congratulations to our Maori neighbours upon their initative and loyalty. Their enthusiasm and definite sense of purpose sets an example to us all.