ANOTHER MAORI CONTINGENT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 222, 8 June 1915, Page 4

ANOTHER MAORI CONTINGENT.

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. EVERY" ELIGIBLE MAORI TAKEN. The formation of an additional Maori Expeditionary Force is receiving close and most important attention from the Defence Department. It has been decided, on good grounds, to accept every eligible Maori that offers with a view to making up another contingent for the front at the earliest possible moment. The Native Minister, Dr Pomare, is in communication with Mr Kingi Topia, who is acting as recruiting officer for ths district, and as the district extends from Te Kuiti down the Main Trunk line as far as Palmerston, and to the westward, taking in Wanganui and Hawera, Mr Topia has a rather lively time before him to cope wtih the offers which are sure to be awaiting his attention. The following letter from the Native Minister has just been received by Fr Topia: "I forward herewith a chart showing the subdivision of the military districts into groups and areas for your use. If you require any tickets for coaches or steamers, please apply to the Area Officers mentioned therein."

Mr Topia also received a communication from the Hon. Mr Ngata, Gisborne, saying that 200 had enlisted in that district; also advising Mr Topia that as many men as it was possible to procure would be taken. In Mr Topia’s district the response for men has been fairly. satisfactory. Up-do the present the enlistments are as follOAvs:

Tokaanu, 2 IjO men. Taumarunui, 2 officers, 18 men, 1 'bugler, Raetihi, 1 officer, 8 men. Taihape, 2 officers, 8 men. Wanganui, 3 officers, 36 men. The Minister telegraphed to know the names ,-of those who have enlisted that are fit to act as officers and noncommissioned officers. Mr Kingi Topia anticipates that a great many applications will come for. ward when the Maoris understand that they .can get free passage by steamer, coach er train fqr the purpose of joining She ranks.