MAORI SOLDIERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10281, 16 May 1919, Page 8

MAORI SOLDIERS

, <» THEIR REPATRIATION

The Ministerial Repatriation Board has decided that members of the Pioneer Battalion (Maori) shouid have their cases considered br.tho same, repatriation boards and committees that have been established /for the pakeha soldiers. These boards .and committees will apply exactly the same principles to the. oases of Maori soldiers as to" those of other members of the N.Z.8.F., but in order that tho interests, of the Maoris may be properly safeguarded it has been decided to appoint a Maori, and preferably a returned, Maori soldier, as a member of each district repatriation board or local committee. It is felt that the appointment of such representatives wiU enable tho boards and committees to do full justice to Native applicants, and will srivo tho latter confidence, as they will know that there is a. member •of tho board who is thoroughly familiar with their special circumstances.

Tho followine members have been appointed already. AJI are members of the Pioneer Battalion :

Wellington District Repatriation Board: Captain Tnhiwi. Otaki. Levin Honorary Committee: Lieutenant Horo Karanti. Ohau.

Palmerston North Local Committeo Lieutenant Karkeek. Levin.

Marton Honorary Committee: Corporal Eanui Marumaru. Bulls. Wonttanui Ldcal Committee': Lieutenant Mete Kinri, Wanganui. To Kuiti Honorarr Committeo: Lieutenant T. Hetet. Te Kuiti.

Te, Awamutu Honorary Committee Liputenant M. F. Jones. Te Kuiti.

Hamilton I,ocst Committee: Mr Tony Crmsbv. To Kuiti. Thames Honorary Committee: Mr H. Roera. Thames. < t \ . ■ . \

It is anticipated that tho appointment of Maoris to district boards and local committees for tho Southern and Northern Maori districts will be' made next week.