MAORIS AND MILITARY SERVICE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1559, 3 June 1916, Page 4

MAORIS AND MILITARY SERVICE.

SPEECH BY DR. POMARE

Speaking in the House on the second.rending of the Military Service Bill, Dr. Pomaro said ho could not understand some of the arguments that had been adduced against the Bill. It contained all the principles of voluntaryism. The only reason for the Bill had been given by the Defence Minister; “Win the War.” (Hear, hear.) It had become necessary to win the war, and if it meant Prussianising the nation, then let the nation he Prussianised. But our Empire Prussianising was as different from the Prussianising of Prussia as the North Pole from the South. The Maoris had done their little bit, and they were going to do a little bit more. He believed in conscription. His own name was among the iirst of the names who had been put on the list, and he was responsible for the sending away of pv.er a thousand Maoris. He believed in conscription as being the fairest way ; it treated everybody alike, no matter what their creed or belief. The Treaty of Waitangi was held in reverence by the Natives, and if the Natives did not come to the help of the Europeans it would mean that the Maoris did not believe in the keeping of treaties between small and great nations. Dr. Pomare went on to speak of the deeds of the Maoris at Gallipoli ; “their deeds are written high up on the scroll of fame,” he said, and he added, “the blood they have shed cries to us utu, and if they want utu they shall have it.” If conscription was necessary they would have it. If it was necessary to keep up the Maori Contingent, that would be done. The unanimous wish of the Maoris and the New Zealand Disislon was that the Government bring about conscription. That came from an 'officer who was fighting in Prance. If conscription meant the ending of his political career, let it end. So long as the British flag flew over the country he knew his people were safe under the shadow of Old England, The Maoris were still loyal (he referred particularly to the Am was) and they would go to the last man.