A MAORI APPEAL

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3178, 31 August 1917, Page 4

A MAORI APPEAL

TiiU people of Wellington, in common with those of other main centres of tho Dominion, have during three years of war readily and liberally responded to tho appeals of patriotic relief organisations. The latest appeal comes from our Maori friends, represented in this case by a party from Hawko's Bay. Tho Maoris in various parts of the Dominion, but more especially in Hawko's Bay, Wairoa, Gisborne, and Waiapu, have for some months concentrated on a special fund for tho relief of Maori soldiers and their dopendants, and, aiming at £25,000, have so far raised over £13,000, or nearly £l a head of the Maori population of the districts that have contributed. In men, Amio of these districts have sent to the war without the spur of conscription 10 per cent, of the tribal strength. In patriotic effort the Maoris everywhere have given money and scrvico liberally to tho various funds, as many a patriotic oommittco can attest. In land the Natives of the Urewcra district early in tho war gave a block of land, and lately tho Taupo, Taihape, and Wanganui Natives donated a. large area for settlement . by discharged soldiers. Tho present

appeal is, wo believe, the first organised appeal from our Maori friends to tho people of this city, and it deserves tho warm support of all. The trustees of the fund, consisting of promiuent Maoris of tho East Coast, whero the reputation of the Maoris as successful pastoralists is well known havo by special legislation been empowered to invest the funds collected by thorn in the acquiring and working of farm property. "Wo understand that over one-half of the money so far raised has boen so invested, the trustees having the benefit of tho advico of an experienced European pa-storalist of Gisborno. When,the schome is fully devoloped the trustees hope to have a larcjo and assured income, which could bo devoted to supplement tho State military pension scheme and patriotic relief schemes for the assistance of Maori soldiers and thoir dopendants after the war. The public of Wellington, wo havo no doubt, will readily assist in this effort on behalf of the Maoris who have crossed tho ,sea-E and fought side by si do with their pakoha brothers m_ the great cause of freedom and justice.