MAORIS FOR THE NAVY.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 11 February 1914, Page 3

MAORIS FOR THE NAVY.

According to the United Empire, one of the last acts of late Sir Fred or ick Young was fo "address a letter to Mr Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand, urging the incorporation of the Maoris in the ranks of "the British Navy, a policy which he characterised as "the dearest wish of his heart." The point does not appear to have been raised locally, but there should be no question at all of the right oi Maori youths to become members of any naval force that New Zealand may create. The Maoris are descendants of navigators whose wonderful voyages over the Pacific give them rank with the greatest seamen of history. During the whaling poi'iod of New Zealand's development many hundreds f natives proved their cour.ige and skill at sea, and it be an in justice. not; to be tolerated by any tnie New Zoaiand c-r, to deny a Maori volunteer the privilege of serving on a Dominion warship.