MAORIS AND CONSCRIPTION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 404, 27 August 1918, Page 1

MAORIS AND CONSCRIPTION.

Resistance Abandoned

DRAMATIC SCENES AT MERCER

Apparently at last realising the futility of opposing the law of the land and in recognition of the tact and courtesy displayed by Police Sergt. Cowan, of Pukekohe, in his recent dealings with them, the Maoris at the Mercer Pa adopted a changed attitude last Saturday afternoon when a party of police went there to further execute warrants for the arrest of members of the Waikato tribe who had failed to comply with the conscription regulations. Instead of stubborn passive resistance being offered as on the oocasion of previous police visits a distinctly friendly spirit prevailed on Saturday. The police on their arrival found that their visit was 'anticipated, some 500 Maoris being assembled in the open. Although pakehas were rigidly excluded from the Pa ready admission was given to Sergt. Cowan and his men by the natives acting as sentries at the gates. In honour of the presence of Tonga Mahuta, a brother of the reigning "King" Fata and a younger son of the late "King Mahuta" the Maori royal standard was flying in the Pa. Sergt. Cowan promptly approached Tonga and informed him that he was included amongst those for whom he held warrants for arrest. Tonga, who speaks English fluently and who evidently holds considerable sway over his fellow natives, complacently received the news. After conferring with "Princess" Puea, the chieftainess of the Pa, he in the Maori language called on all those present, whose names had been drawn in the ballot, to step forward and to accompany him to camp. The result was sen* sational for no less than 43 young Maoris responded to the appeal made to them, the total being in excess of the number of warrants held by the police. Tonga lined his men up and a dramatic scene followed, a religious service being conducted for the purpose of invoking a blessing on the departing ones. The Maori band then played selections whilst the ceremony of dipping the flag three times was carried out as an act of farewell. Tonga next announced that they were ready to leave and a procession two abreast was formed. The standard bearers, carrying the royal flag, preceded ''the Princess" and Tonga, by whose side Sergt. Cowan walked; then came the other "conscripts," the rear being brought up by the native band and the rest of the police. Crowds of Maoris accompanied the party to the railway station amid the strains of the band Great enthusiasm prevailed at the station, hakas being danced and cheers raised. A special carriage was attached to the express train for Auckland and into it Tonga proudly led his men, and although Sergt. Cowan made it understood that he was not concerned with anyone other than those drawn in the ballot all elected to stand firm and to go into camp. On arrival in Auckland Tonga again took charge of the party and their march across Queen Street to the wharf was watched with interest. As they embarked on the ferry-boat on their way to the Narrow Neck camp Sergt. Cowan formally handed over his "captives" to the military police and on the boat's departure the Maoris showed their respect for the Sergeant by loudly cheering him.