MAORI WARRIORS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1915, Page 2

MAORI WARRIORS.

! REINFORCEMENTS PARADE IN WELLINGTON.;. I A FINE TROOP. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last -Night. Large crowds in the streets witnessed tile parade of the Maori "reinforcements yesterday, on their arrival from Auckland. The people of Wellington have now become used to the parades of soldiers, but there were distinctive features about Saturday's demonstration, which created special interest and marked enthusiasm. When the first company of Maoris were seen here their perfect warrior-like appearance and uni. form precision of movement in association with other troops led the spectators to unanimously award them the palm. This first contingent, following them, added to the Maori reputation, Considering the hurried organisation of this second lot of men, and the limited time they have passed in camp, they made a brave show in association with some sections of the Trentham boys. The hearts of all onlookers went out to them as they passed on the usual route from Government Buildings to the Town Hall, and certainly no more interesting spectacle has been presented in Wellington since the war commenced, for this procession of Maori men signalised the most acute stage th'at has so far been arrived at in relation to the war. These men have come forward at a time when the colonial casualties have' brought the miseries of war directly home to every part of the Dominion, and the stern realities of the risks to be run, and the hardships to be borne, have been fully exposed. The set determined look on their facts, as they passed the cheering throngs, indicated that they had no misapprehensions as to what they might possibly have to face. That they will be ready for the fiercest fighting when the moment for action arrives was vividly depicted by the exciting hakas they indulged in within the Hail at the bidding of Sir James Carroll, whose oratory was the crowning gem of a great occasion.

Saturday's procession was witnessed by a packed assemblage. The Mayor presided, and after a speech from "the Governor a section of the troops expressed their appreciation by bursting ipto a hftka. The Prime Minister introduced something Maori into what he had to say, and the versatility of Sir Joseph Ward was shown when he cracked*a Maori joke which, completely convulsed all the brown warriors. After the Minister of Defence, who dwelt most on a note of ''glorious expectation," came Sir James Carroll in a fine oration, which aroused the audience to fierce war chants, hakas, and other expressions of appreciation. Hon. W. Ilerries added a few remarks, also quoting Maori, and then Hon. A. I. Ngata made a presentation fiom the Maori troops to Lady Liverpool. After this, the Maori contingent's war song was sung, and' evoked insistent demands for an encore. Refreshments for the Maoris closed the proceedings, anj the troops then marched away to quarters.