POPULAR MAORIS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 282, 12 March 1941, Page 8

POPULAR MAORIS

SECOND ECHELON BATTALION) AGAIN AT SEA Commencing an interesting letter to his people in Whakatnne, Lieut. Horton Stewart, of the Second Echelon, states that it is apparent that a great deal of mail is not reaching its destination, adding that as far as he can gather Christmas cards he despatched are at the bottom of the ocean. "We arc bound, for the next stage of our voyage, or should I say crusade, " writes Lieut. Stewart. "We are all very keen about it as we feel that now 'dinkum' action" is imminent. Uis possible that the units in the Middle East have the impression that we are on a Cook's tour, but we can assure them all that it is far from a fact as our sojourn in England has had a definite purpose behind it and there was always the possibility of being bombed. Fortunaiely a good eye has been kept on us with the result that casualties have been practically nil and certainly much less than other units. Scotland Popular "Nevertheless it has been a very pleasant period as regards the number of friends made and the visits made to various historical places while on leave. Greatest hospitality to the Maoris was accorded by the Scottish people who could not do enough for the boys, with the result that on all leave occasions when possible there was a general exodus of Maori soldiers and officers - to Edinburgh and Glasgow and other Scottish towns and cities. Lieut. Stewart continued that it was very gratifying to know that the Maori Battalion had left England leaving behind a splendid reputation for behaviour and courtesy and a record over all other units for military efficiency. Last, but not least, they had impregnated the minds of the English people who Avere fortunate enough to meet them with a musical flavour that they shall never forget. "Wherever a Maori was to be found," he continues, "in the company of Englanders lie creatccl an atmosphere of courtesy which was very pleasing—hence the prolific invitations to parties, dinners and dances and all issued by well-to-do people." English Snow Speaking of England Lieut, stewart states that he was disappointed that there was none of the traditional snow on Christmas Day, but adds that while on the train journeying to the port they had a heavv fall which continued for the whole journey and so they saw snow 0:1 their last day in the Old Country.

"I think that it is safe for me to mention some of the Counties we set up various camps in," he writes. "First Hampshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Gloucestershire. It was in these southern counties that the frustrated invasions were to take place. While there the men were for a month and a half in full fighting kit and frequently they were rudely aroused from their slumbers at all hours to prepare for the invasion which never reached the shores. Terrific Reckoning "The R.A.F. continues its work of protecting England and devastating Germany. There is a terrific reckoning to be made with German}", when one realises the wanton destruction they have created here with loss of lives and those maimed for life who could not help themselves. Women and children gunned in the streets, irreplaceable historical buildings razed to the ground. For what purpose Hitler has done all this is beyond my comprehension,—instead of breaking the morale of the people he has made them more, determined to stand up against his onslaught. It has "made the colonial troops and especially the New Zealanders more aggressive and determined to show no mercy when the day arrives for us to meet them on a Common footing and that is the field of battle. "There will be no mercy, Germany will be smashed forever, never again to force herself and her murderous policies upon a world which wishes for happiness and peace. May it come soon." Again at Sea Lieut. Stewart's letter stated tiiat the boat the Battalion was on was well appointed and the menu equalrContinued at foot of next coliiinu)

ly selective and tasty as 'those .on the last liners. He states that he has become very English in his selection of food and never fails to have a pint of lager at dinner—a habit he fears will continue when he returns to New Zealalmi. At the time of writing lie. was wondering to what theatre of the war they were being transported. "I suppose you are all enjoying perfect Whakatane weather and take a trip to Ohope at week-ends or go fishing t:> Whale Island." concludes the writer. "This English weather is too euatic for my liking and frost on land and deck about an inch thick is inclined to make one anticipate the heat of the tropics which we shall experience very shortly."