Mr. Fraser Speaks Of New Maori Battalion

Chronicle (Levin), 11 July 1949, Page 2

Mr. Fraser Speaks Of New Maori Battalion

Press Association)

(Per

ai i » sji AUQJvLAND, July 1Q. Hope tliat the Maori Battalion would, in some way, be reconatitute.l vvhen the referendum was declared in favour of eonipulsory military training, was expressed by the Prime Minis'ter. Mr Fraser,. in officially opening the Maori community centre at Freeman's Bay on Saturday afternoon. This suggestion, which f ollowed statements in. support of, military trainby two Maori speakers was warmly received by the gathering which represented Maoris from most parts of the North Island. 1 1 Training may have' to be done in groups far apart in different districts but it is not beyond the military organisation to see that sometimes tliey get together, ' ' said Mr Fraser. "That is the idea I threw out for consideration to the military authorities. I would like to see it carried out. ' ' Earlier the Rev. Mutu Ivapa, spokesman for the Waikato Maoris, said iie would like to support any move toward the couscription of Maori young people and he was supported by Ma° 3or Ray Vercoe representing the Arawa Maoris, who said there was a saying among his people: "Do not let other men grasp the battle axe over your head. Guard it yourself . ' ' t ara appealing to the iviaori people when the time comes for us xc, support military service, let us do it fb a man," he said, amid applause and cries of ''heau, heat." *;