MAORI PART IN WAR EFFORT

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 284, 29 August 1942, Page 6

MAORI PART IN WAR EFFORT

Regrouping Soldiers In Special Units PRODUCTION DRIVE WELL SUPPORTED

War Cabinet has approved a plan for regrouping Maori personnel in the armed forces into exclusively Maori units with Maor( officers and non-commissioned officers. The Minister in Charge of Maori War Effort, Mr. Paikea, stated in an interview last night that this had been received with the utmost satisfaction and delight by the Maori people from one end of New Zealand to the other. Tho Maoris, eaid the Minister, felt in this -movement an -appeal to their racial pride, an opportunity to accept responsibility In keeping with their past traditions, and the right to express themselves in their own Maori way. This -must not be construed as a reversion to obsolete methods of organization, 'but on the contrary to the adaptation of modern methods based on that outstanding and ancient characteristic of the Maori to co-operate with one another in the attainment of a common object. . “Since the Government authorized the establishment of the Maori War Effort Organization, encouraging and satisfactory progress has been achieved in putting into operation the measures and principles involved,” said Mr. Paikea. "Notwithstanding the short space of -time that lias elapsed since the work began, contact has already been made by the recruiting officers with the Maori people throughout the whole of New Zealand. Tribal Committees.

“Tribal committees are being established ra'pid'ly in every part of the Dominion, and their duties will be to cooperate in the recruiting of the Maori men of eligible military age for the third Maori battalion and other Maori units, and in the campaign for increasIng production. 'they will assist in directing and placing the remaining manpower and woman-power of the Maori people where it is calculated to best serve the interests of their country.” Mr. Paikea said that approval given to the formation of additional Maori units had been acclaimed by the Maofl people as a movement close to their hearts. It was one in which they saw the laying of the foundation for a revival of tribal influence which would undoubtedly prove invaluable to the Maori people, specially those returning from active service, during the post-war period of rehabilitation. "The rerival of leadership in the Maori people, whether it 'be in the fighting services or in their settlements," said Mr, Paikea, “may 'be calculated to prove of vital importance to the future development and welfare of the race. Production of Vegetables. “On the production side of the Maori war effort, the response of the Maori people has been most enthusiastic throughout. Preparations are being made for the setting aside of areas of Native tribal lands for the production of -vegetables, aud other foodstuffs over and above normal requirements in order to meet the abnormal demands caused “by the war. Arrangements are in hand for largely increased areas to 'be made available for the growing of maize, kumeras, potatoes where seed is available, and other vegetable products. This is in" addition to the ordinary quotas of 'butter, cheese, wool and meat.” Admiration of tho -progress made since the proposals for an intensified Maori war effort were approved by the War Cabinet toward the end of last month was expressed 'by the Minister. The response of the Maori people, he said, had -been wonderful.