New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 5, 7 January 1915, Page 8

New Zealand

THE MAORI CONTINGENT. STIRRING LOYAL SPEECH BY NATIVE OFFICER. Per I'hkss' (Association. Auckland, January 6. To-day was a gala day at the camp of the Maori contingent at Avondale. Invitations had been issued to the relatives ,of the soldiers to ~be present to see what progress had been-made by the trpops during their training under canvas, and to partake of a dinner cooked in the hangis. A, large number of natives responded to the invitation, and shortly before noon the 'lll6ll were drawn up for parade by Colonel Hume, commanding the Auckland district. The Colonel was accompanied by Major Barton.

Colonel Hume said he wished, as the officed commanding the (Auckland district,, to extend a hearty welcome to the friends and relatives of the troop.", and he hoped they would spend a happy day. "I think you will agree," he continued, "that your relatives here are the picture of health, and that the training they have received has done them a world of good. They are a credit to their lace, and a credit to their country. It is needless for me to pay that when the time cbmes for vou to part with them they will be a credit to the Empire of which they form a part. They have jjixkli to show you jio-<lay, to give you. some idea of what they have learnt here. • The Minister for Defence has agreed to supply them with "shorts," which from my own personal knowledge is the most serviceable' uniform for .walking aiid activity in general. In my opinion it will be the forerunner of all troops in the Dominion being similarly equipped.' Not that the old uniform will he al-too-other discarded."

Major;Peacock, the camp commandant, also extended, on behalf of his officers and himself, a hearty welcome to the relatives of the men. ','The pension ■« a nnioue one in the history the Maori race," he said.

Captain Pitta, a native officer, also -noke. and Hari Wahamri, a chief from Otorohanga, replied on hehalf of the visitors, and addressing the soldiers, delivered a stirring speech. "Greetings this Christmastide and Sew Year," he said. "To those of von who- are training to fight side by with your white brethren it,will ie seen that'Maoris all over New Zealand are .of, one, opinion in their desire, to help. For the first time in . the history .of the .Maori race, all the tribes are united to, fight together, for the'Empire. Even as late as lSQti there were dissensions among the tribes >under British rule. We have learnt wisdom, and jregret- our former yio-. lence, and we are now at last united to help to fight for,.our white brethren. Although the Maori reprsentatives in Parliament are not present to-day, I am here to speak on their behalf." Turning to the officers, the speaker continued: "We. have handed our men over to you to be tauglit to be soldiers, and not play at it. You| soldiers, don't forget that we all origin-: ate from one common stock. We .worship one God. Be truthful, be honorable. You carry the honour of the Yfaori race in your hands. Be brave, and remember the flag you have flying over your tents. With reference to your religious beliefs, don't forget that you aim for one heaven. Fear God, read and study your bibles, and may the British reign over us for ever." (Cheers). Various military manoeuvres were then gone through to show the assembled relatives what a difference a few weeks'.training had made to their boys; This work was done very credits ably, and was heartily cheered, as was. also an exhibition of physical drill by a large squad. A rush was then made to another part of the camp, where a number of natives had prepared five hangis loaded; with pork, beef, potatoes, eels, and other food.

THE SENTENCE ON CAUDIN. , .Auckland, January G. At a meeting of the sympathisers! with F. K. H. , Giaudin to-night resolutions were passed expressing, the, view,that the .sentence of five years' imprisonment was unjustified by j the evidence as reported in the'Press, and asking, the Minister to furnish to the' Press of the Dominion at the earliest possible moment a full and complete account of the proceedings at the trial. A committee was appointed in connec. tion with the. matter. MESSAGE TO THE TROOPERS. The Telegraph Department advises that week.end cable telegrams of social character for .soldiers, sailors, or nurses, in the expeditionary, forces in. England, > France, and Belgium will now bo accepted for transmission via Pacific or eastern without a minimum at a charge of ninppence per .word., Messages for France and Belgium will he posted free from London to theplace of destination. Such telegrams must bear the indicator "E.F.M.,' ; in the instructions, but this will not be charged for. Senders .should, as far as .possible, supply complete address, including regimental number, rank name of squadron, battery, company, regiment or other unit of the expeditionary forces at the front, the name of place where stationed. All messages are accepted at sender's risk, and no repetition or subsequent inquiry can be undertaken.

The Telegraph Department also advises that arrangements have been made for the .transmission free of chargo of "casualty telegrams inquiring concerning members of the expeditionary forces in England, France, Belgium, British, possessions (except

Hon;; Kong), Egypt and Persian Gull' officially repotted to be wounded, seriously wounded, or dangerously wounded (but not ot persons slightly wounded). Persons officially reported suffering from disease will some within this icatjagoiy. /Three such inquiry telegrams only will be idlowed, and

: ie person presenting the telegram must produce the official notification showing the person inquired for has been wounded. This notification must be endorsed by the Telegraph Department to show whether inquiry is first, second or third, Such telegrams presented in New Zealand are to be fully coded as Government messages, franked by the superintendent or postmaster accepting. The indicator "W.S.M." to be written in the instructions and addressed, "Secretary, G.P.0., Wellington." The telegram must be briefly worded but contain full information, .which in turn will be distributed from the 0.P.0. on receipt. As inquiries regarding persons at seat of war in France and Belgium will require to be made by post from London, some time must elapse before the information asked is available.