MAORI STALWARTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2571, 20 September 1915, Page 6

MAORI STALWARTS

SECOND CONTINGENT UNIQUE SCENE AT TOWN HALL A GREAT WELCOME The Second Maori Contingent, which came to town on Saturday morning from Auckland, are the worthy descendants of a great race—solid, brawny, firmly-knit young fellows, whose naturally fine physiques have been tutored by a rigorous course of military training. They arrived from the north shortly before noon, and at 3 p.m. paraded through the crowded, streets of welcome, cheered and applauded in a manner that left no doubt as to the warmth of Wellington's welcome. The "Second Maoris," in "shorts," big khaki helmets, and a full kit, paraded, 330 strong, under Captain Rice, who has with him as officers. Lieut. Ashton, Second Lieutenants Darisey, Bush, Kohere, Ehau, M'Gregor, Hall, O'Neill, Captain Kaa Duncan (Medical Corps), and Chaplain-Major Hawkins. The parade column was also lengthened by the presence of an advance guard of 100 men (under Lieutenants Wilkes and Brydon) of the "Trents" ("Earl of Liverpool's Own"), and about 80 men (mounted and foot) of the 6th Reinforcements, under Lieut. Skoglund, who through sickness and for other reasons, did not leave with the rest of that force. The column was, therefore, one of respectable dimensions, and a splendid impresion as it swung along the wood-blocks to lively band music. Interest naturally centred in the Maoris, who appeared to thoroughly appreciate the enthusiastic welcome that rang out from the crowds that lined the route of the march, and filled every balcony, verandah, and window, on either flank. Whilst the physique of the young Maori is well nigh perfect, and was recognised as such, the detachment of the "Trents" (50 from each battalion) evoked remarks of hearty approbation. They are a tall, lean, hard-looking lot, with not an ounce of superfluous flesh; who looked ready for any test of endurance the future may hold for them. The Maoris were accompanied by some of their relatives and friends, who made no pretence to conceal the emotions that, the occasion stirred up. At the approach to the Town Hall the contingent was met by a number of Maori women, who greeted the stalwarts with one of those rythmical hakas which one of the performers described as a war cry, by means of which these modern spartan mothers heartened up their warrior sons. A grotesque male figure, armed with a rifle, and swathed round the hips with a flag, played a leading part in this little scene, and created no little amusement with his frightful gestures. A Maori Welcome. Within the hall wero a large number of Maoris, men and women, who, failing to contain their feelings, gave them full vent as the Maori troops filed into the hall. A team of haka dancers (members of the Maori Opera Company) danced a furious haka presstissimo, and through the shouts rang the poignant cries of the woman, wailing on high metallic notes at the dictation of the pain in their hearts. Here was no veil of reserve, no stocial hauteur - it was a gathering of Nature's children at a crisis potent with tragic possibilities, and there was no shame in the tears that some of the men frankly shed during the leave-taking. Many notable Maoris were present, including Te Heu Heu Tukino and his wife (whose ancestors were the lords of the Mid-North Island), Sir James Carroll, Hon. Dr. Pomare, and, Messrs A. T. Ngata (chairman of the Maori Contingent Committee) and Charles Parata, M.P.'s.

On the platform were His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Liverpool, the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. W. P. Massey), Sir Joseph Ward, Hons. Jas. Allen, A. L. Herdman, Wm. Fraser, W. H. Herries, G. W. Russell, BrigadierGeneral A. W. Robin, Colonel Gibbon, Staff-Captains Hudson and Robinson, Colonel (Dr.) Purdy, Colonel R. J. Collins, Colonel Porter, C.B., and several members of Parliament. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) occupied the chair). After the National- Anthem was played by Mr. Bernard P. Page (city organist), His Worship rose and extended a hearty welcome to the Maori Contingent, expressing his admiration for the Natives of New Zealand, and adding that he knew that if they were spared, they would fight not only for the honour of their race but for the whole of Britain—(applause)— they knew no differences and were all one people. The Bonds of Empire. Addressing. the Maoris as fellow soldiers, His Excellency the Governor said that the last time he had spoken to them at Auckland was as soldier to soldier, and now as representative of the King he was there to wish them "God Speed!". Their going away was another instance of the drawing together of those indissoluble bonds of Empire—those mystical bonds that have linked up the people of India, the Ghurkas, and the South Africans, and which the present war had only drawn the closer. It had taught other nations how much mistaken certain were in calculating that through the differences of the races the British Empire was going to be torn asunder. There had been other great occasions when every portion of the British Empire had been drawn together. Two of these great occasions were in Queen Victoria's.reign—the Jubilee and the Record Reign — and another was when King Edward was crowned. To-day again they were to witness tho joining together of units of the British Empire that was going to end in victory. (Applause.) His Excellency spoke of the esteem in which the Native race was held by His Majesty the King and the interest he took in their welfare and happiness. The King had already written to him manifesting a lively interest in the doings of the Maoris at Malta and Gallipoli. As fighters those men had reached the high standard set by their ancestors, and he had no doubt that those who were before him would do so too. They had the well wishes of all the people of New Zealand. He again wished them "God Speed," a pleasant voyage, and a successful issue to the undertaking in which they were to participate with all their pakeha brothers in the Dardanelles. (Applause.). His Excellency's speech was followed by a spirited haka that made the Town Hall building vibrate again. When the tumult died down the Prime Minister stood forth, and in brief percussive periods bid the Maoris farewell as head of the and on behalf of the citizens of the Dominion. With the Contingent that had preceded them they were to take their place side by side with the best troops the British Empire could produce. He had not the slightest doubt as to the manner in which, they would conduct themselves as soldiers of the King, as they were the descendants of chivalrous fighters. Mr Massey spoke with marked sincerity of the loyalty and enthusiasm of the leaders of the Maori people, who had contributed men and money, and were doing their full duty in defence of the country and nation to which they belong. (Applause.) He had had communications from a number of the relatives and friends of the fallen, but whilst they expressed regret at the casualties, each and every one of them had expressed the firm determination to fight on until tho war was brought to a successful conclusion, or as they said in the Maori language, "Ake! Ake! Ake! Kia kaha!" (Fight on for ever and ever.) "Never forget the country to which you belong. We will never forget you," said Mr, Massoy in conclusion. "We are just as anxious for your welfare and the safety and success of the Maoris as the boys of the European race. Kitoa, kia kaha, kia ora!" (Loud and continued applause.) A Comedy War Cry.

Sir .Joseph Ward said that if the Maoris had no war cry he proposed lo give them one. He recited a cry, which was greeted with a loud roar of laughter from the Maoris, denoting that the war cry had its humorous aspect. The effect of it was that the Maoris must burst up the enemy because "the Kaiser was a very bad man." He joined in wishing them well in their association with a race that had never been conquered on a battlefield. If anything should serve to stimulate them it was the inspiring conduct of the Maori women, who had greeted them with battle cries as they approached the Town Hall.

The best wishes of the country would go with them. (Applause.) A Solemn Charge. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. James Allen) said that the Maoris were the descendants of brave soldiers of old, and it was the part of the women to stimulate the contingent with the recollections of the doings of their forefathers. When the first Maori contingent went he had made the same promise as he had to the main body, that whatever casualties occurred they would make up the first complete to its original strength, until that glorious expectation of honour owing them individually would be realised in victory well won and peace well secured afterwards. "Captain Rice, and men," said Mr. Allen, feelingly, "wo have no doubt as to what you will do. If you are called upon to exercise daring, we know daring will be exercised. We have no doubt that New Zealanders and the race to which they belonged, would add honour and further glorious traditions to those which already belonged to the Maori race. (Applause.) To the officers falls a special responsibility; to the chaplain and medical officer and to the sergeants and non-commissioned officers, we commit these men to your care—that care which must be exercised. day and night. Before giving one thought to your comfort, look to the comfort and safety of the men in your command. (Storm of applause.) We shall with full confidence watch your doings, and as we read of your deeds of valour the blood will course quicker in our veins. We'trust that you will all return with honour, with glory, and with victory won!" (Sustained applause.) From Maori to Maori. The chairman then called upon Sir James Carroll, who said he felt confident that in the breasts of the men before him strained the spirit of their ancestors and forbears. It was true that for a generation not been toughened by active war. They, with other European nations, had relaxed all these years until at the outbreak of war had found them facing an enemy carefully machined in all the scientific processes of war, with the deliberate purpose of making war. It was strangelv marvellous to see that as pakeha and Maori got into grips the old fighting blood was found to be there. At this stage: the dramatic outbreak of the speaker produced a spontaneous haka from the Natives in the body of the hall, on whose emotions: the orator played as a skilled harpist on the strings of his instrument. On resuming Sir James said that it had only taken the vibratory touch of war to restore the old spirit. Now it was the spirit of their ancestors speaking to tnem as in old times. He, as representative ot their fathers and forefathers, and the last with mana that imposed on him the privilege of invoking the gods; said: "Go forth with your pakeha brothers, to the blood-spattered peninsula of Gallipoli! It is your duty by them who have already gone forth. Restore, rccoup, and find satisfaction! The duty is on you to go - to conquer or die, but never come back defeated. You are in the hands of the great war god Rongo, and are at his commands until victory is achieved and until the British Army shall govern and principle the world. - Then, and then only, will the shades of your forefathers agree that you come back — when smiling peace comes over the whole universe." (Storms of applause.) Here Sir James commenced a low croon, which was taken up by the older Maoris in the hall; a quaint old tune in the, minor, plaving on a gamut of four notes only, but with peculiar cadence and rhythm and abrupt tonal declines at phrase-ends. The effect was thrilling in the extreme. The croon was an ancient Maori song of farewell. In conclusion, Sir James abjured the members of the contingent to do deeds on the slopes of far Gallipoli that will make matter for history. All the forces of the Empire moved round one common impulse. "It was a beautiful poem, a great epic, a glorious heritage to know that you Maoris will be factors in bringing about the culminating triumph of right over might." Amidst a roar of applause, the old "Ko mate! Ko mate!" started up again. Eyes flashed, limbs quivered with nervous tensity, and tongues protrnded in the frenzy of the haka. The Hon. W. H. Herris (Native Minister) also referred to tho prowess of the Maori of old, and the promise of the present contingent. At the conclusion of the public function the contingent sat down to a Maori dinner in the Concert Chamber, the gathering forming a really merry one. During the dinner Mr. Ngata announced that a contribution of L100 to the Regimental Fund had been made by a Maori, who was painted white. His name was Mr. M'Grath. (Applause.) As relays of the soldiers were fed they left the Concert Chamber, squatted on the stairway, loosened their belts, smoked their pipes, and were filled with peace. It had been a day j of days.