MAORI MILITARY DEFAULTERS.

Taihape Daily Times, 10 July 1918, Page 3

MAORI MILITARY DEFAULTERS.

PUKEKOHE, July 8. For the last fortnight the Maori pa at Mercer has been under water owing to recent heavy rains, and the Waikato River having overflowed its banks. This, however, has not driven out the Maoris who have camped there to the number of three or four hundred in passive resistance of military conscription. On Saturday afternoon, 6th inst., Sergant Cowan and three constables paid another visit to the pa, driving out in a waggonette through two feet of water, to the meeting-house where the Maoris were assembled. Four strong-looking young Maoris, wanted on warrant for failing to parade for medical examination, were arrested, and, refusing to walk, were carried out, placed in the waggonette and taken to the Tailway station. They were escorted by the police, on the Eotorua express, to Auckland, and handed over to the military authorities. The police were well received at the pa by the Maoris, under leadership of Princess Pua. A number of Maori girls, prettily dressed, gave a fine exhibition of the poi dance. A number of Maoris and pakehas came to see the future Maori soldiers off"at the railway station, amongst them being a man named Fred Redin, who was wanted on a warrant of commitment for failing to pay a fine and costs. He was placed on board also, and taken to Auckland with the Maoris.