MAORI BATTALION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 199, 14 August 1940, Page 7

MAORI BATTALION

43 PER CENT. AS VOLUNTEERS The total number of enlistments for the Maori Battalion and rein* forcements to July 22, when voluntary recruiting . ceased, was 4,103, This includes 213 enlistments on July 22. The response ot' the Maori population to the appeal for volunteers has been particularly gratifying, and shows that members of the Maori race are at least as ready as Lhcir p.akeha brothers to share the burden of preserving freedom and independence. The total number of Maori males, including half-castes, between the ages of 21 and 35 A which for most of the recruiting period were the prescribed age limits, at the census on March'' 24, 193G, was 9355. The total enlistments represent approximately 13 per cent, of that number, which, it must be remembered, includes men who for many reasons, such as being married and having more than two children,, were ineligible for enlistment. 708 Ready for Camp. A total of 3077 had been medically examined. Of that number, 2182 have been classed fit for overseas Those classified temporary unfit and perraanenil\vunfit, number 409 and 486 respectively. Of those classed lit, 1211 have been despatched to acmp, and 708 are available for camp at any time. Without taking into account the large number still to be medically examined, there are more than sufficient men to provide the Maori Battalion Reinforcements for some time to come, and to cover any wastage which may occur during their training.