A LOYAL NATIVE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 348, 30 November 1915, Page 2

A LOYAL NATIVE.

The following is a letter, translated from Maori into English, sent by an old Maori war veteran to Colonel T. N. Porter The wording of the document si typical of the Maori of the older generation. The letter reads:

“To Colonel Porter. —Greetings to you in the midst of the great war and battles that threaten tc envelop the whole world now in face of this I feel much pained and my heart is said. I know that it is only wealth that can overcome .great difficulties and to ensure victory. I have been considering my pension, why should I? when all the world is so suffering and blood streaming forth from those brave men who are lighting for us and for the general welfare of the world. The cry has gone forth from those brave men who are fighitng for us nad for the general welfare of the world. The cry ha gone forth from ail the many peoples to collect money to support our soldiers, therefore I also am writing to the Pensions Board to devote my pension as a. small contribution towards patriotic purposes, that we in all our loyalty should support whether Maoris or Europeans. I feel this a duty upon me as a loyal subject' although I have reached my old age. Tha’s all. Prom your loving friend and old soldier.—(Signed) Enoka Rukuata.”