MAORIS AND RECRUITING.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1916, Page 7

MAORIS AND RECRUITING.

RELUCTANCE OVERCOME. A rcluctasce on the part of many of the Maoris in the North Auckland district to send more of their .young men to the front was discovered and successfully combated by Dr. A. W. Averill, Anglican Bishop of Auckland, during 'his annual visit to a portion of his diocese (says the New Zealand Herald). On the occasion of the Maori synod at Otiria, near Kawakawa, at which there was a large gathering of natives, representing all parts of the Far North, Dr. Averill stayed with the Maoris for two days. Two matters were specially agitating the minds of the Maoris, he stated. A certain number of them were opposing sending more recruits, and approached him on the matter. "I spoke to the Maoris on the subject of the war for an hour," said the Bishop, "pointing out that it was their duty to continue sending their boys as recruits. Afterwards they expressed satisfaction, and assured me they would not in future place any hindrance in the way of their sons enlisting. Coming from so representative a body of Northern Maoris, I consider that undertaking to be most satisfactory." The second matter which was agitat-, ing tile Maoris, the Bishop said, was a notice in the Gazette concerning an amendment of the law as to supplying liquor to Maoris. They were very much opposed to any change by winch Maoris would be able to obtain liquor for consumption off licensed premises. They held a public meeting during the Bishop's visit, and passed a resolution strongly protesting against any alteration of the present law on that point.