MAORI VETERANS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 46, 6 February 1945, Page 5

MAORI VETERANS

EX-SERVICEMEN UNITE

MEETING IN WHAKATANE

The first combined meeting of Matatua Maori Ex-servicemen was held in the Borough Council Chambers Whakatane on Saturday last. The Rev, Wharetini Rangi presided and the following were present:— Peter Temo (Ruatoki), Renata Rangi i (Ruatoki), Pita Uehfku (Ruatoki),, W. Rangi Jr. (Ruatoki), Tame Horopapera -(Whakatane) Spady Merito (Whakatane) Meihana (WhakaPeta R. Wairua (Whakatane). The following resolutions were passed: (1) That a reunion of all Maori returned servicemen in this district be held oh Friday, February 16 in the Poroporo Hall. Men from world wars I and II be cordially invited to attend. (2) The formation of a Maori Ex-serviccmen's League or otherwise the affiliation of same to the Dominion as a branch of the N.Z.R.S.A. be instituted. This will be finalised at the reunion date at Poroporo. Speakers stressed the inefficiency of tlie Maori: Rehabilitation scheme as set out by the Government. It was decided that this meeting advocate an immediate and radical change or even the purging of the present members on the Board. The meeting was also unanimous that Maori Exservicemen should not be placed under the control of the Native Department. but rather under a neutral body such as a set Congress composed of delegates of returned men and women from the four electoral tribal boundaries of the Dominion; to act as Advisory Council to the Rehabilitation Minister. Lack of co-ordination in the manpower system in utilising the returned men was also brought up at the meeting. It was contended that the Maori programme of the day looked backward rather than forward.