PRO PATRIA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 200, 7 January 1942, Page 5

PRO PATRIA

FURTHER DISTRICT LOSSES

MANY MAORI CASUALTIES

Though the casualties now reachsing New Zealand, show that most of the men mentioned are posted as missing—probably prisoners of war, it will have been noted that most •■'of those recently killed in action, have been men of the Maori Battalion. Whakatane with its large Maori population has suffered severely in this respect and we herewith provide a further list of war obituaries Robert Oliphant Stewart Twenty-one years of age, Pte. R. G. Stewart, Avas born in Whakatane and he received his education at the Paroa Native School, later at the Whakatane Convent, and then at the local High School. . A promising ycfung man whose good nature and fine character endeared him to all who knew him, he joined the staff, of the Bay of Plenty Pressi at the age of 16. When the BEACON com.-> menced operations he transferred his apprenticeship to that firm, and two ; years later enlisted for overseas service. Though he rejected the opportunity of studying for a commission twice, he left New Zealand with two stripes, but relinquished his •rank in order to go into early action. "He sailed for the Near East twelve months ago and after the preparatory training took part in the great advance into Libya. He fell at the attack on Gazala on December 16. Robert Stewart was a prominent young footballer, being a member ot the Star Junior team, and representing Whakatane on numerous occasions. He was also a keen oarsman, and in that capacity represented Whakatane Rowing Club at several regattas at the larger centres. He wasj fond of tennis and above all a lover of boating generally, being part owner of a small launch made many a trip with his companions to the islands off-shore. The fifth son -of Mr and Mrs A. O. Stewart of the Pa, he came of a fighting family. !His eldest brother, Lieut Horton Stewart, was killed in action in Crete, while another brother Lieut Don Stewart was recently wounded in the Libyan campaign. Yet another brother Pte Bert Stewart is in camp at the present time and is also due for overseas: service. An uncle, Lieut Wattie McKay who was captured in Crete was seriously wounded, and later died as a prisoner of

war.

L/Cpl Sam Bluett Born in this district twenty-six -years ago, L/Cpl S. Bluett, Avas a son of Mr and Mrs Ji. Bluett of Taneatua. He was educated at Taneatua, and, as a young man was regarded as a footballer of considerable promise. He represented Whakatane on several occasions. O'n the outbreak of war he enlisted and with another brother Cpl Charles Bluett went overseas with the Maori Battalion of the Second Echelon. After the long period of training in England the Battalion was transferred to Egypt and from there to Greece. L/'Cpl Bluett went through the Greecian and Cretan campaigns, being one of the men who assisted to> buikl the wonderful 'fighting' reputation earned by hi's battalion. A younger brother Pte Fred Bluett, who left with the Firth Echelon, has since been reported wounded. L/Cpl Sam Bluett was a popular young soldier who was known for his, strength' and ;manly feats.

Pte Samuel Moeke Another young soldier who experienced the rigours of both the -Greek and the Cretan campaigns, '-was! Pte Sam Moeke, son of Mr and Mrs Hone Moeke. of P'ahoe. He was educated at the Poroporo Native School and gave promise of becoming a successful man. On leaving school he joined the staff of the Native Department and was for many -years employed on the Ohope Native Scheme. A younger brother joined him more recently in Egypt. Sam Moeke was killed in action in the more recent attacks made outside : Benghasi. He was noted for his fearlessness and absolute disregard for danger.