MAORI SOLDIERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1959, 1 April 1919, Page 1

MAORI SOLDIERS.

AS SEEN BY THE BELGIANS. The local paper at Venders, Belgium, near historic Liege, published an article on December 20th last in reference to the march of the Maori Battalion through the town cn their way to the Rhine. Following is a translation of the article; — THE MAORIS AT VIBRVIERS. Yesterday morning, about halfpast 8, a regiment of New Zealanders marched through the town, composed of many Maoris, natives of New Zealand. It is well known that that tribe belongs to the great Polynesian race, but it must be admitted that they are superior to all those of that race, especially in intelligence, which is remarkable. Well built, complexion olive, hair raven black, features characteristic, tine men in general, they created a sensation. Received cordially, often cheered, supplied with wristbands by young demoiselles —which seemed to cause (heat, extreme pleasure —they tiled past, three men side by side, well equipped, cvell armed. One of our citizens, Mr Henry L , who was for a long time in Australasia, with an inspiration which, under (he circumstances, had a relish quite particular, besought himself to welcome them in their language, “Kia ora!” which for an instant nonplussed our brave Maoris. All delighted to hear so unexpectedly that cordial greeting, all answered to the echo that “Kia ora” evoked from their native land. As they passed over the St. Laurant bridge their passage was marked by a little incident. As they tiled past some of the horsemen were remarkable for their imposing bearing. At home (he Maoris are especially agriculturists and breeders. The New Zealanders, who number 20,000, are under (he command of General Melville. Their country is twice as big as England, and its population is 1,100,000. The army of 100.000 men is composed of 90 per cent, of volunteers. Their bravery is sufficiently demonstrated by the tact that the Germans have never made a single New Zealander prisoner (the natives light to the death), and that the losses of the Allies amount to 50,000 men, of which 15,000 have been killed and 4.000 have died through influenza. Their pay is 5s per day, of which 2s is for themselves and 3s for their

parents. It is difficult to estimate how charitable New Zealand has been to Belgium. The Relief Bund shows a contribution of £3 per head for the benefit of the Belgians. The volunlary contributions towards the cost of the war amounted to £23,000,000. As for their soldiers, they also have much love for Belgium.

It is noticed that the Maoris have retained some of their primitive customs and some remarkable practices. They specially use the axe, one of their ancient arms, with extraordinary effect, and their exercises with that arm are. particularly interesting.

The New Zealanders will spend two days and two nights at Yervicres; some are here for three or four days.