MAORI RECRUITING.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 6 September 1917, Page 4

MAORI RECRUITING.

The Maoris of New Zealand, and particularly those of this district, have been very much troubled over the conscription laws being extended to apply to their young men. Maoris, notably, are averse to any form of compulsion, and they have accordingly been prosecuting a recruiting campaign among the Wanganui and Tuwharitoa people getting in all that are of military age, and eligible in the first division. Mr. Kingi Topia has been very active in this campaign; acting as a' sort of recruiting officer. From 40 or 50 of his recruits arc to arrive in Taihape from the Wanganui district, on Tuesday, afternoon, about 5 o’clock; they will march through the main thoroughfare, and proceed to Mr. Kingi Topia’s residence for kai. They will thereafter leave by the express the same evening. It is understood that in this draft are some well-educated young men of good physique who should make names for themselves as excellent soldiiers. Other drafts of men from other parts of the district are being organised, and Mr. Kingi Topia seems to be very active in impressing upon his people what tends to their honour and good name.